Minnesota

Ex-Minnesota Hockey Player Dies After Incident at O'Hare International Airport

Chicago police said officers responded to the scene around 4:30 a.m. Saturday after receiving a call of a “person down” and bleeding profusely in the outside lanes of Terminal 2

A former college star and American Hockey League player died this week in an incident at O’Hare International Airport.

Andrew Carroll, 32, of Minnesota, was pronounced dead just before 3 p.m. Monday, after his body was found at the airport over the weekend, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

Chicago police said officers responded to the scene around 4:30 a.m. Saturday after receiving a call of a “person down” and bleeding profusely in the outside lanes of Terminal 2.

Carroll had “trauma to his head,” authorities said.

He was initially taken to Resurrection Hospital in critical condition. Police said cameras near the incident revealed Carroll “jumped from the upper level roadway to the lower level roadway on his own accord.”

"The Chicago Department of Aviation offers it condolences to the Carroll family during this difficult time," the CDA said in a statement. "The Chicago Police Department is investigating this matter."

Carroll’s family said in a statement to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press they were “deeply saddened to share of the loss of Andrew, an amazing brother, son, uncle, nephew, cousin, teammate, mentor and friend who died tragically after a fall at the Chicago O’Hare Airport.”

Carroll played for the University of Minnesota-Duluth and followed his collegiate career by joining East Coast Hockey League and AHL teams, including the Hartford Wolf Pack.

“We are devastated and heartbroken by the news our former captain, Andrew Carroll, has passed away,” UMD Men’s Hockey tweeted Monday night. “Andrew was a driven student-athlete, loyal teammate, and selfless leader. Andrew Carroll exemplified Bulldog Hockey in every way, and it is clear how much he meant to this program by the outpouring of emotion we have received from his teammates and other alumni since we heard of the accident. We will miss you Ace!”

Players could be seen putting “AC” stickers on their helmets Monday night.

“Sending our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Wolf Pack player, Andrew Carroll. You will truly be missed,” the Hartford Wolf Pack wrote.

Further information on what happened to Carroll wasn't immediately released. The medical examiner's office said autopsy results were expected Tuesday afternoon. 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 provides people in distress, or those around them, with 24-hour support. The Crisis Text Line allows people to text 741-741 to connect with crisis counselors. 

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