Amazon tornado victim was an outdoorsman, former McKendree hockey player

Austin McEwen, 26, was an outdoorsman who loved sports, according to a Go Fund Me set up for one of the six Amazon employees who died when a tornado struck the Edwardsville distribution facility where he worked.

“Austin was a beautiful soul, loved by all who met him ... He was hard-working, kind and will be deeply missed,” the post said.

McEwen, a resident of Edwardsville, was a defenseman for the McKendree University Bearcats hockey team from 2013-2015. He also graduated from Vatterott College with a degree in mechanics, the Go Fund Me account noted.

According to a story published by Reuters, McEwen was an only child who liked to listen to rapper Mac Miller and to go hunting with friends.

McEwen is survived by his parents and his long-time girlfriend.

This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 4:27 PM.