A 22‑year‑old Michigan State University hockey player died early on August 15, 2024 after his Honda CR‑V collided with a tractor‑trailer on Interstate 95 in Caroline County, Virginia.
Virginia State Police responded to the crash at approximately 3:40 a.m., finding the vehicle heavily damaged and the driver, Preston J. Korytkowski, pronounced dead at the scene.
Remembering a teammate and scholar
The Michigan State Spartans hockey program released a statement on social media, describing Korytkowski as a teammate, friend and captain whose kindness resonated far beyond the ice.
Coaches and players highlighted his nickname “Hands,” a moniker earned for his deft play and generous spirit, and recalled how he lifted the morale of those around him.
Beyond hockey, Korytkowski maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while majoring in a field that combined virtual reality and human‑AI interaction, contributing to research that explored the intersection of technology and education.
Over four seasons with the Division II squad, he appeared in 103 games, recording 10 goals and 12 assists for a total of 22 points, a testament to his steady contribution to the team.
A community mourns
The loss has reverberated through the university, the local hockey community and the broader collegiate sports landscape, prompting tributes from alumni, faculty and fellow athletes.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the collision, while the driver of the tractor‑trailer sustained only minor injuries and cooperated with investigators.