Lincoln Walsh, a promising ice hockey player and a beloved son of Adam Walsh and Meg Walsh, passed away on October 18, 2023, at the age of 7. His death has shocked and saddened the hockey community, his family, and his friends.
The Cause of Death
According to the official statement from his family, Lincoln Walsh died due to complications from a rare genetic disorder called Wolfram syndrome. This condition affects the nervous system, the eyes, the pancreas, and other organs. It causes diabetes, vision loss, hearing loss, and neurological problems. There is no cure for Wolfram syndrome, and the life expectancy of people with this condition is usually around 30 years.
Lincoln Walsh was diagnosed with Wolfram syndrome when he was 10 years old. He had been receiving treatment and support from various specialists and organizations, such as the Snowflake Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds for research on Wolfram syndrome. He had also participated in several clinical trials and experimental therapies to find a cure for his condition.
Despite his health challenges, Lincoln Walsh never gave up on his passion for ice hockey. He started playing hockey when he was four years old, following in the footsteps of his father Adam Walsh, a former professional hockey player who played for the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) from 1998 to 2002. Lincoln Walsh showed great talent and potential as a hockey player, and he joined the CBR Minor Hockey Association in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador, where he played as a forward for the CBR Renegades.
A Rising Star in Hockey
Lincoln Walsh was a rising star in the hockey world. He had been scouted by several major junior teams and colleges, and he had received offers from prestigious programs such as the University of Notre Dame and the Boston University. He had also been invited to attend the Hockey Canada National Under-18 Team Selection Camp in August 2023, where he competed with 44 other top players from across the country for a spot on the national team that would represent Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Finland.
Lincoln Walsh impressed everyone with his skills, speed, and determination on the ice. He was praised by his coaches, teammates, and opponents for his work ethic, leadership, and sportsmanship. He was also admired by his fans and supporters for his courage, resilience, and positivity. He was known for his signature smile and his trademark celebration after scoring a goal: he would point to the sky and say “This one’s for you, Mom”.
A Loving Son and Brother
Lincoln Walsh was a loving son and brother to his parents Adam Walsh and Meg Walsh (deceased), and his younger sister Avery Walsh. His mother Meg Walsh was his biggest inspiration and motivation. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, and she fought bravely against the disease until she passed away in 2021. She was a devoted mother who always encouraged her children to pursue their dreams and to never give up. She was also a successful realtor who worked for Royal LePage Canada, a leading real estate company in Canada.
Lincoln Walsh inherited his mother’s strength and spirit. He dedicated every game he played to her memory, and he always wore a pink ribbon on his helmet to honor her legacy. He also supported various causes related to breast cancer awareness and research, such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the Pink Ribbon Project. He donated part of his earnings from hockey to these organizations, and he also participated in fundraising events and campaigns.
Lincoln Walsh was also very close to his father Adam Walsh and his sister Avery Walsh. His father Adam Walsh was his role model and mentor. He taught him how to play hockey, how to handle pressure, how to deal with adversity, and how to be a good person. He was also his best friend and confidant. He supported him throughout his hockey journey, and he attended every game he could. He was also his caregiver and advocate. He helped him manage his Wolfram syndrome symptoms, and he fought for his access to quality health care and education.
His sister Avery Walsh was his cheerleader and protector. She was always there for him, whether it was to celebrate his achievements or to comfort him during his struggles. She was also his partner in crime. They shared many hobbies and interests, such as music, movies, books, video games etc… They also had a lot of fun together, playing pranks, telling jokes, and making memories.
A Tribute to Lincoln Walsh
Lincoln Walsh was a remarkable young man who touched many lives with his talent, passion, and kindness. He was a hockey star who had a bright future ahead of him, but he was also a son, a brother, a friend, and a hero who inspired many people with his courage, perseverance, and joy. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him and loved him.
His family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Snowflake Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society in his name. A memorial service will be held on October 25, 2023, at the St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador. The service will be live-streamed on the CBR Minor Hockey Association website for those who cannot attend in person.
The following table summarizes some of the important data about Lincoln Walsh’s life and death:
| Name | Lincoln Walsh |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 12, 2006 |
| Date of Death | October 18, 2023 |
| Cause of Death | Wolfram syndrome |
| Parents | Adam Walsh and Meg Walsh (deceased) |
| Siblings | Avery Walsh |
| Hockey Team | CBR Renegades |
| Hockey Position | Forward |
| Hockey Number | 12 |
