Outpouring Of Love, Support After Death Of North Branford's RJ Sobask

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — Raymond "RJ" Sobask was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor when he was just 8-years-old. The day it was found, he had emergency surgery to have it removed and successfully remained cancer free for more than 13 years. Sobask, a standout North Branford High School lacrosse and football team player, was killed Saturday in a New Haven crash involving the motorcycle he was riding. He was 22.

In the hours and days since his death was reported, his family, his friends, and his community have shared their grief, and their love and memories on Facebook.

His mother Cathy's recent post at once heart-breaking and poignant as she noted she had "no idea of the love that others had" for RJ.

"Our door is open along with our hearts for all who are grieving with us," she wrote. "If you need a hug, come get one, if you want to give a hug we’ll take them. Everyone is welcome at RJ’s house. No one should ever grieve alone."

Amy O'Brien shared a post about Sobask.

"We lost an incredible young man, RJ Sobask this weekend & we are all grieving tremendously with the news of one of our own from NB! So many wonderful memories of RJ through the years playing in NB uniform. I like so many, have had the privilege of watching him play in high school along by my son in lacrosse #21 & football #30. RJ was a great teammate, athlete, captain, leader, and friend. It was a pleasure to watch him, see him flourish, grow & cheer him on."

A social media search of his name turns up post after post about the young man who made a lasting impression on many.

Read RJ's obituary here.