​The University of Massachusetts Lowell is mourning the loss of Tobias “Toby” Forsythe, a cherished member of the men’s soccer program and a promising young goalkeeper. Forsythe, who was 21, died in a car accident on Sunday, July 5, in his home state of Ohio. The news has sent shockwaves through the UMass Lowell community, where his presence on and off the field made a lasting impression.
“Our entire athletics department is heartbroken by Toby’s passing,” said Lynn Coutts, the Director of Athletics. “Although Toby’s time as a River Hawk was cut far too short, he left a meaningful impact and will always be remembered as a cherished member of our UMass Lowell family.” Forsythe joined the River Hawks for the 2026 spring season, bringing with him a track record of solid performances and leadership. Prior to transferring to UMass Lowell, he spent two seasons at Ashland University and started all 17 games during Shawnee State’s 2025 campaign. He pursued his studies as an economics major in UMass Lowell’s College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, demonstrating both academic dedication and athletic commitment.
Head Coach Kyle Zenoni reflected on Forsythe’s character and work ethic, saying, “Today, our River Hawk team is grieving the loss of one of our own.” He added, “Toby was everything you hope for in a student-athlete and an even better person. He was humble, honest, selfless and the definition of hard work. Every single day, he showed up ready to compete, improve and do whatever was asked of him. He never looked for shortcuts and never expected anything to be given to him – he simply wanted the opportunity to earn it.”
In the wake of this tragedy, the university is offering counseling services to members of the campus community as they navigate this painful time. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, and university officials have urged patience as the Forsythe family coordinates next steps.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.