Student-Athlete From LI Mourned By Community After Tragedy

DIX HILLS, NY—Alexander Aurrichio was a star athlete who excelled in a range of sports, both growing up on Long Island, as well as in his college and professional sports career. But teachers at Half Hollow Hills West, where Aurrichio graduated 12 years ago, are remembering his kindness and considerate nature after his death in a cycling accident at age 30 on June 8.

Aurrichio moved to Australia to compete in Australian rules football. Even while far away from home, training with his team, he thought to call former social studies teacher and varsity basketball coach Billy Mitaritonna to thank him for something small, Mitaritonna told Patch.

"Everyone mentions what a great athlete and leader he was, but what stands out to me is how kind and considerate he was," Mitaritonna said. "After Superstorm Sandy he came over with a friend on a Saturday to help me clean out my basement. He was just such a nice person."

Friends and teammates in Australia organized a GoFundMe to help raise funds to bring Aurrichio home to New York. His parents, Lou and Jill Aurrichio, who live in Dix Hills, can't travel to Australia for services planned there because of coronavirus quarantine rules.

After a high school career where Mitaritonna says Aurrichio was "the greatest sports leader we ever had," the standout played soccer and baseball at Columbia University. He worked as a paraprofessional for special needs kids after college, and coached basketball and soccer at West during his off-seasons from Australian football.

"We are all absolutely shattered," wrote Abbey Holmes, who spearheaded the GoFundMe. "The tragic passing of Alex has left a gaping hole in our hearts - but none hurting more then his doting family. 'Rooch' came to Australia chasing the adventure of a lifetime and my gosh did he live large. Everyone who has been lucky enough to cross paths with Alex knows just how infectious being in his presence is, and how you immediately become best friends."

Over $150,000 toward the family's funeral expenses was raised within a week of his death.

Anny Mees is a Spanish teacher at Half Hollow Hills West who remembers Aurrichio's kindness working with special needs students.

"He was so amazing with the students. We are all so sad."