Teenage boy dies on Christmas Day after suffering series of strokes
Poppy Bilderbeck
Featured Image Credit: GoFundMe / St Paul Capitals Hockey Association / Facebook
People are flooding to social media to pay their condolences after a 16-year-old boy passed away on Christmas Day as a result of stroke complications.
On 25 December, Cormick Scanlan - a sophomore at Cretin-Derham Hall in St Paul, Minnesota - sadly passed away after suffering from a series of strokes.
The 16-year-old hockey player had recently been diagnosed with a rare blood vessel disorder called Moyamoya diease.
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On 6 December, Cormick suffered a stroke and was taken to hospital where an angiogram revealed he had Moyamoya disease, as per a Go Fund Me page set up to help the 16-year-old's family pay for the medical costs and funeral expenses.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Moyamoya disease is a 'rare blood vessel (vascular) disorder in which the carotid artery in the skull becomes blocked or narrowed, reducing blood flow to your brain. Tiny blood vessels then develop at the base of the brain in an attempt to supply the brain with blood' which 'most commonly affects children'.
Cormick was scheduled for bypass surgery on 15 December to 'repair the left side carotid artery with blood vessels from his head' and 'eliminate chances of a stroke recurring'.
Unfortunately, Cormick - who played for St Paul Capitals Hockey Association - suffered another stroke and passed away on Christmas Day.
St Paul Capitals Hockey Association took to Facebook to pay tribute to the young player.
The post reads: "Our hockey community has lost a great young man. Cormick Scanlan passed away peacefully last night surrounded by family.
"Cormick suffered a stroke on December 6th. Angiogram revealed that he had a rare condition called moyamoya disease. He had bypass surgery on Thursday the 15th to repair the left side carotid artery with blood vessels from his head. Sadly, he suffered additional strokes thereafter.
"Cormick played with the Capitals through last season. Our strength is with the Scanlans and all who loved Cormick. Rest in peace."
People have since flooded to the post to pay their respects to Cormick's family.
One said: "Prayers to the whole Scanlan family and all who knew Mick."
"We are so sorry for your unimaginable loss. Our thought are with your family," another wrote.
A third commented: "So very sorry for the loss of this young life. Sending prayers to all of the Scanlan family and friends."
In an interview with Fox9, hockey coach Derek Weinke said Cormick was a 'kid who lived what we talk about every day'.
The coach continued: "The values of selflessness, of hard work, integrity... These are all things that this young man had."
On CaringBridge, Cormick's mother, Heather, wrote: "There is something beautiful about him starting his heavenly journey on Christmas.
"We are thankful for the time Mick granted family and friends to visit one last time," she added.
"Words cannot express how much joy Cormick brought his family. We are heartbroken."
According to a release from Cormick's school, a special prayer service is set to be held for the student 'to celebrate Mick's life' once children return from the Christmas break.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677