Kutztown University is deeply saddened to share that baseball student-athlete Stephen Hood (Lansford, Pa./Panther Valley) passed away following a car accident in Summit Hill, Pa., on Tuesday morning, Dec. 23.
 
Stephen was a sophomore business administration major from Lansford, Pa., and a valued member of the Golden Bear baseball team and KU campus community.
 
Stephen joined the Golden Bears after graduating from Panther Valley High School in 2024. He was a standout student-athlete for the Panthers, earning multiple letters as a starter on the baseball and basketball teams. He was one of just seven players in school history to reach the 1,000-point milestone in basketball, finishing his career third on Panther Valley's all-time scoring list with 1,123 points.
 
Stephen was focused on making an impact on the mound as a pitcher for the Maroon and Gold during his second year with the program after missing the 2025 season due to injury.
 
"Stephen was an incredible young man who meant so much to our program at Kutztown University," reflected head baseball coach Eric Folmar. "Stephen was deeply loved by his teammates, and he earned that respect every day through his character, work ethic, and the way he cared for others. He was a great person and an even greater teammate, someone who lifted those around him and represented our team with pride. His presence will be greatly missed, both on the field and off, and the impact he had on our program and our lives will never be forgotten."
 
Kutztown extends its deepest condolences to Stephen's family, friends, teammates, coaches and loved ones during this difficult time.