The Burnaby Lakers have announced former defenceman Keegan Letourneau has died at the age of 28.
A cause of death has not been released, as of this publication (Aug. 29).
Letourneau, from Brampton Ont., was signed by the Lakers in 2018 as a free agent and played three seasons in the Swamp.
He played for years in the Ontario Jr. 'A' Lacrosse League with the Brampton Excelsiors, Mississauga Tomahawks, Mimico Mountaineers and the Six Nations Arrows.
They won the 2015 national championship — known as the Minto Cup — after the Arrows defeated the Coquitlam Adanacs.
The former Vancouver Stealth drafted Letourneau 46th overall in the fifth round of the 2015 National Lacrosse League Draft (NLL).
In a statement, the Lakers said Letourneau brought a smile to the face of everyone involved with the team with his warm heart and enthusiastic spirit.
"In his three seasons in Burnaby, Keegan brought a smile to the face of everyone involved with the team with his warm heart and enthusiastic spirit," reads a post on social media about Letourneau's passing.
"His dedication to the organization and especially his teammates was undeniable and he was an unforgettable presence in the dressing room and on the bench. On the floor, he was tough and tenacious and exactly the kind of player you wanted to play with, but not against.
"Keegan was a guy who would do anything for someone in need and his death will leave a hole in the life of anyone who ever knew him."
Former teammates, team personnel and others expressed their sadness of Letourneau's death.
"This really, really sucks," former teammate Jonathan Donville wrote on Twitter.
"Keegan was my first Captain in Junior A. I didn't know him as long as others, but he was one of the greatest teammates I have had. Sending love to his family and all those who loved him. RIP my friend."
Former Arrows' general manager Jake Henhawk said he loved Letourneau so much, that he traded for him twice at the junior 'A' level.
"Loved this kid so much I traded for him twice in Jr A," he wrote in a tweet.
"Was a big piece helping win a Minto in 15. Drafted him in Vancouver that same year. He would do anything for his teammates no questions asked.
"RIP Keeg, you will be greatly missed."
Current Lakers general manager Kevin Hill wrote the organization lost a "truly amazing person."
"Keegan was such a special person and teammate," Hill wrote.
"He was the type of person who would do anything for a friend. I feel blessed having him on my team and in my life.
"You will be missed my friend."
