The college soccer community is mourning the loss of goalkeeper Tobias "Toby" Forsythe, who was killed in a crash involving a tractor-trailer in Ohio. He was 21.
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According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 71 southbound in Madison County, via ABC6.
Investigators said Forsythe, of Gahanna, was driving a Honda Accord at a slow speed when it was struck from behind by a Freightliner tractor-trailer. The impact sent his vehicle into a median cable barrier before the truck crossed into the northbound lanes.
Forsythe was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver suffered injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening.
A crash report later released by the highway patrol identified the truck driver as Bekhzod Asrarov. Authorities have charged Asrarov with tampering with evidence after alleging he told first responders his dash camera was in his pocket following the crash. The fatal collision remains under investigation.
Forsythe had recently joined the men's soccer program at UMass Lowell after previous stops at Ashland University and Shawnee State. He started all 17 matches for Shawnee State during the 2025 season before transferring to UMass Lowell earlier this year.
"Our entire athletics department is heartbroken by Toby's passing," athletic director Lynn Coutts said in a statement. "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."
Coach Kyle Zenoni remembered Forsythe as "everything you hope for in a student-athlete and an even better person," calling him humble, hardworking and selfless.
Counseling services have been made available for student-athletes and staff as the university continues to mourn the loss of one of its own.
