College Hockey Player Dies in Snowy Crash, Girlfriend Survives

Bradly Burden, a Niagara University student, was killed when his vehicle hit a light pole and fence on Feb. 24.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Bradly Burden, a 22-year-old sophomore and member of the Niagara University Men's Club Hockey ACHA Division II team, was killed in a single-vehicle crash on February 24th in Niagara Falls, New York. Burden's girlfriend, Rose Kaminske, was a passenger in the vehicle and survived the incident. The investigation is ongoing, but authorities believe speed, road conditions, and inadequate tires may have been factors in the crash.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Bradly Burden, a beloved member of the Niagara University hockey community, has deeply impacted the campus and sparked discussions about the dangers of driving in inclement weather conditions. This incident highlights the importance of road safety, especially for young drivers, and the need for increased awareness and education around winter driving.

The details

According to authorities, Burden was driving a 2015 BMW when the vehicle spun out of control and hit a light pole and chain-link fencing. Burden was ejected from the car and died at the scene, while his girlfriend, Rose Kaminske, survived the crash and has since been released from the hospital. The investigation is ongoing, but police believe speed, road conditions, and inadequate tires may have contributed to the incident.

  • The single-vehicle crash occurred on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at approximately 1 a.m. local time.
  • Burden's death was confirmed by Niagara University on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Bradly Burden

A 22-year-old sophomore and member of the Niagara University Men's Club Hockey ACHA Division II team, who was killed in the crash.

Rose Kaminske

Burden's 20-year-old girlfriend, who was a passenger in the vehicle and survived the incident.

Rev. James J. Maher, C.M.

The president of Niagara University, who expressed condolences for Burden's death and said the loss is deeply felt by the campus community.

Christopher Sheffield

The vice president of student affairs at Niagara University, who explained that the combination of snowy conditions and ice on the road contributed to the tragedy.

Benji Orgil

A fellow player on the Niagara University hockey team, who described Burden as "a ball of light" who always had a smile on his face.

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What they’re saying

“Bradly brought energy, commitment, and a strong spirit of friendship to our campus. His loss is deeply felt by his teammates, classmates, and professors. We hold Bradly's family in our prayers as they face this unimaginable loss.”

— Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., President, Niagara University (Niagara University)

“He never didn't have a smile on his face. He was just a ball of light. Even when one of us was down, he'd find a way to pick us back up.”

— Benji Orgil, Teammate, Niagara University Hockey (WIVB)

What’s next

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence and information to determine the exact factors that led to the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safe driving, especially in inclement weather conditions. It highlights the need for increased education and awareness around winter driving safety, as well as the profound impact the loss of a young, vibrant life can have on a close-knit community like Niagara University.