Kiski Area alum killed in crash remembered for kindness, work ethic

Family and friends are mourning the sudden death of a standout student hockey player from Washington Township.

Alex Presley Orange, a 2020 Kiski Area High School graduate and PennWest University California student, died Sunday from injuries sustained in a car crash.

He was 21.

His parents, Todd Orange and Leesa Halapin, recalled their only child’s gentle, kind and easygoing nature — with a splash of adventure thrown in.

“He was a boy among boys,” Halapin said.

An Alle-Kiski native, Orange grew up playing outdoors and enjoyed riding four-wheelers, fishing, snowboarding, wrestling, gardening and ice hockey.

As a child, he would grow his own vegetables and honed his culinary skills, often cooking and grilling meals for the family.

“He was a great cook,” Halapin said.

Orange played defensemen on the PennWest California University Hockey Team for one season.

“Alex instantly made friends with all the kids on his team — not just the Kiski kids. He was outgoing and able to make friends with any group of people he was involved with,” Todd Orange said.

Nicknamed “AL P.” by many, Alex worked as a lifeguard at the Vandergrift Pool and, most recently, as a server at the former International Mediterranean Restaurant.

We are sad to announce the passing of current Cal U hockey player Alex Orange. Our hearts go out to his family, friends & the hockey community in this extremely tough time. pic.twitter.com/GCtT4VieFz

— CalUHockey (@VulcansHockey) June 6, 2023

Orange’s college roommate and close friend, Ryan Powell, said he was most impressed with Alex’s work ethic.

The friends worked part-time jobs together at a local beer distributor.

“He was never one to be lazy or not put his all into something — whether he was playing on the team or working — Alex always tried his best and did as much as he could,” Powell said.

“Alex was such a special person and was kind to everyone around him,” Powell said. “The jokes, laughs, smiles and memories we shared will be something I’ll never forget.”

PennWest issued a statement Friday in response to Orange’s death.

“We’re heartbroken to learn of Alex’s death. He was a valued member of our PennWest California campus, both in the classroom and as he participated in many activities. We extend our deepest sympathies to Alex’s family and friends during this difficult time,” said Wendy Mackall, director of communications.

Orange was a junior majoring in digital media.

His parents said his artistic abilities were evident from a young age.

“He always drew elaborate designs on his table (at home) and was very creative,” Halapin said. “He continued drawing, and I was always impressed.”

Powell said his late friend was an expert in looking for the silver lining in life.

“He never let anything get him down or dampen him,” Powell said. “He’d always tried to move past hardships and focus on what was next. He was silly, goofy and could make anyone in a room smile.”

Alex’s grandmother, Mary Louise Halapin, described her grandson as a “gentle soul.”

His parents shared numerous fond memories of family trips with Alex and reflected on a recent vacation to New Orleans.

Alex’s girlfriend, Olivia Beach, accompanied him.

“Boy, did they eat their way through that town,” Halapin said.

Annual summer trips to Sandbridge Beach, Va., and visiting the family camp in Tionesta were family traditions embraced by Alex, his parents said.

“We would rent a big house and invite many, many people, and we have all those great family members at the beach,” Todd Orange said.

An ardent animal lover, Alex leaves behind three pet cats: Grimm, Scooby and Taco.

Orange rescued homeless kittens during college, and his father said Alex always cared for others.

“He was a good ‘cat dad,’” Todd Orange said. “He was just a good, solid guy.”

The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made in Alex’s memory to Kiski Valley Cat and Kitten Rescue, P.O. Box 19, Apollo, PA 15613.

A celebration of life service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Curran Shaffer Funeral Home and Crematory, 100 Owens View Ave. in Apollo.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m., one hour before the celebration service.