U of M Dearborn hockey player dies unexpectedly

DEARBORN, MIch. (WJBK) - University of Michigan Dearborn hockey player Ben McPartlin passed away unexpectedly Saturday at the age of 23, according to the Wayne County Medical Examiner's office.

His death has been devastating for the local hockey community. Ben was known as a player, a mentor and all-around good guy.

The cause of his death has not been determined. Former Trenton High School Hockey Coach Mike Turner is sharing his sympathies.

"He comes from a tremendous family," Turner says. "I coached his three brothers along with Ben, and it's very difficult right now." He coached Ben at Trenton High School, a state-ranked powerhouse.

"On the ice, he was one of our leaders. The kids looked up to him, his teammates," Turner says. "But off the ice, he was really a solid young man and he worked in the community."

Ben went on to train younger players at the Downriver Hockey Academy. Ben also co-owned a player development business while playing for U of M Dearborn.

"He just tried to give back to the community the things he had learned growing up and the skills he developed," Turner says. "It's just the kind of kid he was."

Many of Ben's family and teammates are still in shock, hoping to wait to comment until a later time.