Siena University Lacrosse Coach Dies at 41 After Traumatic Brain Injury from Fall: ‘A Sudden, Senseless Loss’

Siena University men’s lacrosse coach Liam Gleason died after suffering a traumatic brain injury from falling in his home. He was 41.

Gleason served as the Loudonville, N.Y., Catholic university’s men’s lacrosse coach for seven seasons, according to a statement from the school. He celebrated his 41st birthday on Nov. 28, two days before suffering a fall in his home.

Memorial services will be held on Dec. 6 on the school grounds, per the university.

Gleason, who was an alum and former coach for Siena’s rival, the nearby University at Albany, was met with an outpouring of support shortly before his sudden death. The school’s athletic community lined a hospital hallway for a “Hero Walk” on Wednesday, Dec. 3 to honor Gleason as he was prepared for surgery to donate some of his organs, the Associated Press reports.

“A sudden, senseless loss carries a kind of pain that defies understanding,” said Siena President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D, in a statement. “It’s hard to imagine anyone more universally loved and admired than Liam. Our community was blessed by Coach Gleason’s life.” 

Gleason was the 10th men’s lacrosse coach in the school’s history. He led the program to a MAAC championship in May, marking the team’s first conference title in 14 years, per the school.

He returned to the university in June 2018 to lead the men’s lacrosse program, after previously working as an assistant for the Saints under Brian Brecht from 2008 to 2010. Earlier this year, the late coach earned both ECAC and MAAC Coach of the Year honors after leading the Siena Saints to the program’s fourth MAAC Tournament Championship, according to the school.

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“The Gleason family has suffered the most unimaginable tragedy with Liam suffering a traumatic brain injury. Anyone who knows him knows what a light he is in this world,” a GoFundMe launched in support of the family reads. “His heart is as big as his 6’5 frame, and the love he gives to those around him is immeasurable.”

Gleason is survived by his wife of 12 years, Jaclyn, their three children – daughter Kennedy, and sons Penn and Tate – his parents, Kevin and Susan, his brother, Brendan, and their extended families.