The small community of Holyrood in Newfoundland and Labrador was recently struck by an unimaginable tragedy. Lincoln Walsh’s sudden and tragic death, as a promising hockey player, beloved son, and brother, has left many searching for answers.
Lincoln Walsh: Who was he?
Lincoln Walsh was born on 7 July 2010 in St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador. He is the beloved son of Mark and Jennifer Walsh and devoted brother to Logan and Lauren. Lincoln, like many Canadian youths, was a hockey fanatic. Passion for basketball wasn’t all that set him apart – talent, sportsmanship and leadership also played an instrumental part.
Lincoln studied at Holy Cross Junior High School, Holyrood. He quickly became known for both his academic abilities and his charming personality. Lincoln enjoyed fishing, camping and biking outside of the classroom and ice rink. Most importantly, he valued the time spent with his family and friends.
How did Lincoln’s passion for hockey manifest?
Lincoln was a promising player on the CBR Renegades Peewee-A team. His prowess in the ice is evident. Lincoln was a defensive player who wore the number 4 and served as the team’s backbone. He possessed both leadership qualities as well as on-ice abilities that made him formidable off the ice. The young hockey player was expected to be a great talent, so his premature death is even more tragic.
What led to Lincoln Walsh’s untimely death?
On October 16, 2023 tragedy struck in a seemingly innocuous location. Lincoln was having a good time in a friend’s yard in Holyrood when he decided to zipline. The day turned horrifying when the zipline snapped and Lincoln fell to the ground. Lincoln’s head injuries were so severe that he could not survive despite immediate medical treatment at Janeway Children’s Hospital, St. John’s.
What has been the community’s reaction to Lincoln’s passing?
The grief, shock and sorrow were immediate and overwhelming. Social media was flooded with condolences and memories of the young hockey player. CBR Minor Hockey’s emotional Facebook post encapsulated many sentiments: “Lincoln is a young man with a lot of heart and passion for hockey. His teammates, coaches and friends along with all those at CBR Hockey will miss him deeply.
Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador and Hockey Canada, including St John’s IceCaps and Toronto Maple Leafs have shown their support to the Walsh family and Holyrood Community by reaching out.
What memorial services and tributes are planned for Lincoln?
Lincoln Walsh’s life was celebrated and remembered at a service and burial on October 21, 2023 in Holy Cross Church, Holyrood. Lincoln Walsh was remembered by friends, family, teammates, and well-wishers from around the country at Holyrood Cemetery on Thursday evening after passing away at an unexpected age of 18.
Lincoln’s death serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility; nonetheless, we will always cherish and remember his passion, camaraderie and determination.
