By: Richard L. Smith
The North Star Academy community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of its brightest young stars, 15-year-old Andrew Osei-Frimpong, who tragically passed away over the weekend after collapsing while playing basketball at the downtown Newark YMCA.
In response to this devastating event, school officials have announced that North Star Academy’s Lincoln Park High School will be closed on Monday to allow students and staff time to grieve and reflect on the life of their beloved classmate and teammate.
The halls that once echoed with his laughter and determination will now serve as a space for remembrance as friends and teachers come to terms with his absence.
A Promising Life Cut Short:
According to a statement released to RLS Media by Newark Police, firefighters were called to the YMCA on Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard at approximately 2:48 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, for a report of an injured or sick person.
Upon arrival, they discovered an unresponsive teenage male inside the facility’s second-floor gymnasium.
Witnesses reported that he had been actively playing basketball before suddenly collapsing.
Emergency medical personnel quickly transported the young athlete to University Hospital in hopes of saving his life.
Despite their efforts, Andrew was pronounced deceased at 4:13 p.m. due to a cardiac event.
Andrew was not just any student—he was an outstanding scholar and athlete, deeply involved in his school community.
As RLS Media has learned, he played basketball, soccer, and volleyball for both North Star Academy’s Lincoln Park and Washington Park campuses.
His family told me that his passion for sports was only matched by his love for learning and his kindness toward others.
A Community in Mourning
Uncommon Schools Lincoln Park, the network behind North Star Academy, expressed their sorrow in a statement:
Today, we take a moment of silence to remember the life of Andrew. He was well known within our community, as he represented the school in both soccer and volleyball. His kind soul lives on in the memories we hold dear."
The impact of Andrew’s passing extends far beyond the basketball court or the classroom.
His family, heartbroken by the sudden loss, shared how deeply he was loved and how much he meant to those around him.
“Andrew’s loss is felt deeply by our family. Over the years, we saw him grow into a kind, thoughtful young man who cared deeply about the people around him.
He was always willing to help out, whether it was for a friend or around the house. As the youngest of the family, he also loved spending quality time with his older siblings."
Andrew’s dreams were as big as his heart. He had a strong academic drive, aspiring to study computer science in college.
He had an entrepreneurial mindset, often discussing ideas about starting his own business in the resale industry.
His curiosity and love for learning also fueled his excitement for travel—he had been eagerly planning a summer trip to Italy, where he hoped to immerse himself in the culture and cuisine.
A Time for Healing
This year, I had the opportunity to referee several basketball games at North Star Academy’s Lincoln Park campus, and the sense of family within that building was truly remarkable.
The students, staff, and administrators embraced one another with a warmth that felt like home. Knowing how deeply connected this community is, I can only imagine the sad impact of this incident. Such a wonderful professional learning community.
The loss of Andrew Osei-Frimpong has sent shockwaves through the North Star Academy community, leaving students, teachers, and teammates struggling to process the sudden absence of someone who brought so much joy and energy into their lives.
To help support grieving students, the school has arranged for counselors to be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday.
Students are welcome to seek guidance, talk through their emotions, or simply be in the presence of friends and faculty who share in their grief.
Though Andrew’s time was far too short, his impact was profound. His kindness, ambition, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
As his school and family navigate this heartbreaking loss, one thing remains certain—Andrew’s legacy will never be forgotten.
All of us here at RLS Media send heartfelt condolences to the entire school and Andrew’s family.