SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Michael Currin was truly a man of Moeller, members of the school community said Monday afternoon.
Currin, a University of Dayton freshman, died Monday morning. Dayton police said they weren't sure what caused the injuries that led to his death — only that he was found badly injured on Wayne Avenue early Sunday morning. Chief Richard Biehl suggested some evidence pointed to a hit-and-run but added only a coroner's evaluation could determine Currin's cause of death.
The young man was known around Greater Cincinnati as being the starting point guard on the basketball team during winter 2019, but people who knew him said there was much more to Currin.
“You always heard his voice, he always asked how you were doing," said West Virginia sophomore basketball player Miles McBride, a 2019 Moeller graduate.
"It was just the little things with Mike. He always looked at the bigger picture and tried to make everyone feel included.”
Currin's smile radiated when he spoke about Moeller High School. The 2020 graduate was vice captain of the school and a role model to his classmates.
He played golf for the Crusaders and was active in admissions and the development team at school. He was described as a a young man with an "amazing" faith and character.
"You were one of the most kind and most appreciative individuals I have ever met," wrote Moeller basketball information director Steve Albrinck in a Facebook post. "You always had a smile on your face, were in always a good mood and a great man of faith. If we all can take something from the person you were this world would be a better place."
Before Currin graduated in the spring, he'd walk down the steps and around the hallways thinking about how his late father, Joe Currin, once spent time in the same building.
"It's everything that I could've ever asked for," Currin said in March. "It's a really, really special feeling that I will cherish forever."
Currin, 19, helped the Crusaders to a 26-1 record this past season. The boys basketball season was canceled at the regional final round due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currin was part of the undefeated 2019 Division I state champions.
"Tears don't explain emotions," tweeted 2020 Moeller graduate Maxwell Land, Currin's former basketball teammate, on Monday. "You and your fam didn't deserve this. You weren't just a teammate to me; you were my brother, a role model and someone that always lifted me up and when I was down. You will always hold a place in my heart."
Currin's family issued a statement through Moeller Monday afternoon:
"Michael Currin passed away peacefully this morning. We ask for your prayers for his family and ask for privacy to grieve. Please channel your prayers from a miracle for Michael to a miracle that we don’t yet understand."
Moeller High School said it is heartbroken over Currin's death and requests continued prayers for the family.
"Our Moeller family is hurting today," tweeted Barrett Cohen, Moeller High School's Director of Alumni.
"Although the pain feels unbearable, we take comfort knowing Michael has rejoined his father Joe in heaven. We thank the entire community for their thoughts and prayers and ask that you continue to pray for healing for the Currin Family."
WCPO reporter Whitney Miller contributed to this story.
