Madeline 'Maddy' Loftus: Crash Victim

MYFOXNY.COM - Madeline 'Maddy' Loftus of Parsippany, New Jersey, was on her way to a reunion with former hockey teammates at Buffalo State College. Maddy , 24, played for the Buffalo State women's ice hockey team in 2002 and 2003, according to Jeff Ventura, the school's sports information director. Loftus transferred to St. Mary's University in Minnesota after her sophomore year, Ventura said. Loftus' younger brother, Frankie Loftus, said his sister never worried about flying because their father was a pilot for Continental.

Frankie Loftus said he dropped her off at the airport Thursday. Ventura said to his knowledge no other Buffalo State players were on Flight 3407. He said the returning players were scheduled to meet Friday to decide whether to play a reunion game that had been scheduled for Saturday.

Loftus played for Buffalo State from 2002-04, finishing with 10 goals and three assists over 47 games. She transferred to St. Mary's after her sophomore year. In two seasons at St. Mary's, the 5-foot-5 forward had 11 goals and 10 assists in 52 games.

Loftus was a marketing major at St. Mary's and graduated in 2006, according to the school's Web site. The school of 1,400 students is in Winona in southeast Minnesota on the Wisconsin
border. She helped start the Cardinal Athletic Council, which represents student-athletes and is active in community service projects.

"We are deeply saddened at the news of the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of so many, including one of our own," St. Mary's athletic director Nikki Fennern said in a statement.
"Madeline was an important part of the university and athletic communities."

Terry Mannor, the St. Mary's women's hockey coach, said Loftus was the first senior to graduate from his program.

"She will always hold a special place in my heart," Mannor said. "Everyone who knew her will remember someone full of life and compassion. She was loved by everyone."

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