The Michigan State University community is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Preston Korytkowski, the captain of the university’s ACHA Division II hockey team, who died in a car accident on August 14, 2026, at the age of 22. He was a standout student-athlete, a leader on and off the ice, and a U.S. Department of Defense SMART Scholar with a promising future in computer science. The Rockford, Michigan, native’s death has sent shockwaves through the MSU hockey community, his academic circles, and the tight-knit world of collegiate athletics.
Preston Korytkowski, 22, died in a car accident on August 14, 2026. He was a senior at Michigan State University, captain of the ACHA Division II hockey team, and a SMART Scholar intern at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. He is remembered as a leader whose impact extended far beyond the rink.
A Leader on the Ice
Preston Korytkowski was more than a player for the MSU Spartans; he was the heart of the team. Wearing the captain’s “C” for the 2025-2026 season, he was a central figure in the locker room, described by his program as a teammate and friend whose leadership people looked up to. His hockey career spanned four seasons with the Spartans, from 2022 to 2026, during which he played 103 regular-season games, recording 10 goals and 12 assists. Prior to his collegiate career, he developed his skills playing for Rockford High School in Michigan.
A Scholar and a Public Servant
Beyond his athletic achievements, Korytkowski was a high-achieving student with a bright future in technology. He was pursuing a dual Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science at Michigan State University, maintaining a 4.00 GPA in his graduate studies and a 3.97 GPA as an undergraduate. He was also a U.S. Department of Defense SMART Scholar, a prestigious program that places talented students in internships at Department of Defense facilities.
His career path reflected his ambition and skill:
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Research Scientist Intern at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (May 2026 – Present)
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Software Engineer Intern at the same facility, where he refactored legacy systems and resolved over 3,000 SonarQube issues
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Technology Development Intern for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, where he built fan voting pages handling 100,000+ votes
Community Tributes
The loss of Preston Korytkowski has sparked a significant outpouring of grief. The Michigan State D2 hockey program announced his passing, stating, “Preston was more than the player wearing the ‘C.’ He was a teammate, a friend and someone his team looked to as a leader.” The broader hockey community and his academic peers have shared countless memories, mourning a young man whose future had so much promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Preston Korytkowski?
Preston Korytkowski was a 22-year-old captain of the Michigan State University ACHA Division II hockey team from Rockford, Michigan. He was also a computer science student and a U.S. Department of Defense SMART Scholar.
What happened to Preston Korytkowski?
He died in a car accident on August 14, 2026, in Michigan.
How old was Preston Korytkowski?
He was 22 years old, born on January 17, 2004.
What was Preston Korytkowski studying?
He was pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science at Michigan State University as part of a dual BS/MS program, having previously earned his Bachelor’s in the same field.
What was Preston Korytkowski’s cause of death?
His cause of death was injuries sustained in the car accident.
Conclusion
Preston Korytkowski was a young man of immense talent and drive, excelling both as a captain on the ice and as a scholar in the classroom. His life was a testament to hard work and leadership, impacting his teammates, his university, and the wider community. His tragic passing at the age of 22 is a profound loss. As his hockey family said in tribute, he will forever be remembered and honored by those whose lives he touched.