Sophomore Hockey Player Dies After BMW Spins Out, Strikes Pole in Single-Vehicle Accident
Bradly Burden, 22, Niagara University sophomore, dies in single-vehicle crash; girlfriend injured, campus mourns the loss of the young student.
The Niagara University community is mourning the tragic loss of sophomore Bradly Burden, 22, of Anchorage, Alaska, who died early Tuesday in a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Main Street and Cleveland Avenue. Authorities reported that Burden was driving a 2015 BMW north on Main Street around 1 a.m. when the vehicle spun out of control, struck a light pole and chain-link fence, and ejected him from the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A female passenger, identified as Burden’s girlfriend and fellow Niagara University student Rose Kaminske, was hospitalized with injuries but has since been released and is recovering at home.
Bradly was a management major in the Holzschuh College of Business Administration and played defense on the men’s club hockey team. University President Rev. James J. Maher said, “Bradly brought energy, commitment, and a strong spirit of friendship to our campus,” emphasizing the deep impact he had on classmates, teammates, and faculty.
Police cited multiple factors contributing to the crash, including excessive speed, poor road conditions, worn tires, and possible snow and ice. Emergency crews worked at the scene to assist and investigate the accident, which has left the Niagara University community in shock.
Counseling services are being offered to students, faculty, and staff who are grieving the loss, reflecting the university’s commitment to supporting its community during this difficult time. Friends, teammates, and classmates have shared memories of Burden’s enthusiasm, leadership, and the positive energy he brought to campus life.
The crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by winter driving conditions and the importance of vehicle maintenance, especially in icy or snowy areas.
As the campus comes together to honor his memory, Bradly Burden is remembered not only for his academic and athletic contributions but also for the warmth and friendship he extended to those around him, leaving a lasting legacy at Niagara University.
