NJ Native, 19, Dies While On Spring Break From University

WESTFIELD, NJ — A 19-year-old man who grew up in New Jersey died while on spring break from his Ohio university, his family said.

Henry Meacock played soccer at Westfield High School, where he graduated before attending Ohio State University in Columbus, the state’s capitol. He died on March 15, as the university was on spring break. Related article — Funeral Plans Set For Westfield Grad Who Died On College Break

It is not yet clear where Meacock was when he died, or his cause of death; the death did not occur on campus, the university confirmed.

Meacock was born in England and moved to the United States when he was three years old, but “loved both countries,” his obituary states.

“He always felt that he was both English and American and was strongly connected to both places and cultures,” the obituary reads. “His grandparents in America, his grandmother in England and his uncles, aunts and cousins on both sides of the pond all adored him for he was the nicest, most genuine soul to have entered their lives. Enjoy your pint with Grandpa.”

Meacock, who was studying finance at OSU, previously worked at Echo Lake Country Club as a golf caddy, according to his LinkedIn page. He also played soccer throughout his time at Westfield High School, a career that he continued in college.

“Soccer has allowed me to learn how to work with teammates and coaches and how to put the group ahead of the individual,” Meacock wrote in his LinkedIn profile.

Between repeatedly making Westfield High’s honor roll and playing on soccer and golf teams, Meacock always made time for friends and family, his obituary reads.

The Westfield boys' soccer team was "heartbroken" at the news and asked people to keep the Meacock family in their prayers.

Meacock is survived by his parents Colleen and Will, sister Ellie, and family on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean who “all adored him for he was the nicest, most genuine soul to have entered their lives.”

“Friendships and family were ultimately what gave him happiness,” according to his obituary. “He also loved nothing more than being at the NJ shore with his High School friends or enjoying student life at The Ohio State University in the mix of a large group, where he often set the tempo with his renowned playlists.”

He was scheduled to graduate from OSU in 2025, and does not appear to have played varsity soccer for the Buckeyes.

"The Ohio State community has suffered a tragic loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Henry Meacock," said university spokesman Chris Booker, director of the office of marketing and communications.

"Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this exceptionally difficult time," Booker continued.

Calling hours will be Friday, March 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home (582 Springfield Avenue, Westfield). Funeral services will take place on Saturday, March 25 at 8:30 a.m. at Saint Helen Roman Catholic Church (1600 Rahway Ave., Westfield).

The family requests that donations be made in his’s honor to the Echo Lake Country Club Caddie Scholarship Fund.

Patch’s Nicole Rosenthal contributed to this report.