Cazenovia, NY-Heartbreak rippled through the communities of Cazenovia and Onondaga Community College this week as news spread of the sudden passing of 19-year-old Ty Freyer, a freshman lacrosse player and beloved member of both towns. Ty, a native of Cazenovia and proud member of the OCC men’s lacrosse team, died unexpectedly in early June, leaving behind a community grieving the loss of a young man whose light burned brightly—and far too briefly.
Ty, born around 2005, was known for his vibrant energy, relentless drive, and warm-hearted nature. A graduate of Cazenovia High School, he quickly became a standout on the school’s lacrosse team, not only for his athletic ability, but for the teammate and friend he was to those around him. Whether sprinting down the field or cheering on his peers from the sideline, Ty brought a spirit that couldn’t be taught—only felt.
In the fall of 2024, Ty joined the OCC Lazers, proudly wearing jersey number 2 as a freshman midfielder. Coaches and teammates alike recall his commitment, humility, and uplifting presence on and off the field. While his stats were just beginning to take shape, his impact already ran deep. “He was the heartbeat of the locker room,” said OCC Head Coach Sean Kessler. “He made you want to work harder—just by being himself.”
Beyond the turf, Ty was just as admired. He volunteered his time at local youth lacrosse camps, participated in campus events, and was often seen cracking jokes, lifting spirits, and forming fast friendships with students, staff, and faculty. “He had a rare kind of kindness,” said one professor. “You could feel it even in passing.”
In the wake of his passing, the OCC athletics department created a memorial tribute in the gymnasium, now adorned with lacrosse sticks, OCC jerseys, and handwritten notes from friends and teammates. The display stands as a quiet yet powerful reminder of the young man who brought unity, strength, and joy to everyone who crossed his path.
Plans are underway for a “Ty Freyer Memorial Game” this coming fall, where teammates and alumni will take the field in his honor. Proceeds will go toward youth lacrosse scholarships in Ty’s name—an effort to pass on the passion and generosity he lived every day.
Ty is survived by his loving parents, siblings, extended family in Cazenovia, and a close-knit circle of teammates and friends. In their grief, those who knew him find comfort in remembering the laughter, loyalty, and life he shared so openly.
He was more than an athlete. He was a son, a brother, a teammate, and a friend. And though Ty Freyer’s journey ended far too early, the mark he made—on the field, in the classroom, and in the hearts of many—will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Ty. Your legacy lives on in every pass, every goal, and every life you touched.