St. Thomas Aquinas College is saddened to learn of the passing of Men's Soccer student-athlete Eric Birighitti, 21, of Melbourne, Australia. Birighitti passed in Australia during winter break.

"The Spartan community is heartbroken over the news of Eric's tragic and untimely passing." Director of Athletics Nicole Ryan said. "Eric was a stellar student-athlete, committed to his studies, his sport and his team. Our prayers of love and support go out to his family during this difficult time." 

Birighitti came to St. Thomas Aquinas from Hastings College in Nebraska for the 2019 season, where he played for Hastings in 2016 and 2017, winning a National Championship with the Broncos in 2016.  Before his collegiate career, Eric attended high school at Aquinas College in his native Melbourne. He also played for the Perth Soccer Club. Birighitti chose to attend STAC to pursue a degree in Business Management, while also being able to play the game that he loved so much.

"For every life has a purpose to fill, a purpose which us humans can seldom infer. Eric was a gift from heaven, whose purpose was to make this world understand what love, friendship, goodness, and humbleness was all about. Goodness belongs to heaven, and I know he is watching us from there, bestowing his amazing smile upon us. The St. Thomas Aquinas Men's soccer team will have Eric with us in spirit and will make him proud. May his soul rest in peace", Men's Soccer Head Coach Graham Brown said.

Birighitti was a rising star on the St. Thomas Aquinas College Men's Soccer team, having played in twelve contests this past season, and became a leader on the Spartan defense and midfield corps, mentoring many of the young players on the squad.

St. Thomas Aquinas College offers its thoughts and prayers to Eric's family, friends, coaches and teammates during this very difficult time.