Ottawa squash player dies in cycling accident

Adrian Dudzicki, a university squash champion from Ottawa, died Wednesday when his bicycle was struck by a car in the North York section of Toronto. The 23-year-old, recently ranked 269th in the world, was on his way to the National Squash Academy when he was struck while crossing Sheppard Avenue with the right of way. A 20-year-old driver of a BMW was arrested and will face charges, though police say that no alcohol was involved in the accident.

Dudzicki was born in Italy but grew up in Ottawa, learning to play squash at the Ottawa Athletic Club. He attended the University of Ottawa, where he was Canadian champion in 2010 as a Gee-Gee. He moved to Toronto to train at the national academy and was poised to make a run at the Professional Squash Association in 2014. Dudzicki’s highest world ranking was 136th.

In a news release, Johnny Wilson, squash professional at the Ottawa Athletic Club, said, “He was a true free spirit who lived his life the way he wanted. He was admired. He was loved and will be deeply missed. Adrian will very much want his friends, family, and the squash world to celebrate his life and share his philosophy to enjoy life and enjoy the moment.”