Update 12/20/17 2:56 p.m. ET

Services for Dave Huntley will be held Friday, Dec. 22 at Ruck Funeral Home in Towson, Md. (visitation from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. ET), and Saturday, Dec. 23 at St. Joseph Church in Cockeysville, Md. (funeral mass at 11:30 a.m. ET). Internment following the funeral mass will take place at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. A memorial service will be planned for the spring at Johns Hopkins University. Click here for more information.

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Atlanta Blaze head coach Dave Huntley, a member of both the Canadian and National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, died unexpectedly Monday while coaching at a clinic in Florida.

The stunning news spread on Twitter, with people from all walks of the lacrosse community expressing their respects and condolences. Both Major League Lacrosse and the Blaze released statements confirming the news, though details regarding the timing or cause of Huntley’s death were not immediately made available. Remembrances have been published by The Baltimore Sun, Lacrosse All Stars and the Canadian Lacrosse Association.

Huntley, 60, was a three-time All-American at Johns Hopkins. He won the McLaughlin Award as the best midfielder in college lacrosse in 1979. He also played for the 1978 Canadian national team that upset the U.S. for the gold medal in Manchester, England.

Huntley’s prolific playing career was recognized on both sides of the border in 2011, when he was inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame and by US Lacrosse into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Huntley went on to coach for 10 seasons in the National Lacrosse League, also serving as the general manager of the Philadelphia Wings on two separate occasions. He spent eight seasons coaching in MLL, leading the Toronto Nationals to the 2009 championship, and served on the coaching staff for four Canadian national teams.

Huntley helped lead Canada to world titles in 2006 and 2014 as a coach and as the Canadian Lacrosse Association’s director of men’s field lacrosse, respectively. Huntley and two other high-level Canadian national team officials resigned in October over a dispute regarding the CLA’s revoked charitable organization status and insurance coverage for players.

Huntley, who resided in Towson, Md., and also helped coach the nationally ranked Calvert Hall high school team, often shared his knowledge of the sport and a passion for film and statistical analysis. He has been a presenter at both the US Lacrosse and IMLCA conventions.

Reactions to the news of Huntley’s death on social media (below) reflect the character of a man that was universally beloved by the lacrosse community. US Lacrosse Magazine will provide more details on this story as they become available.

(1/2) "I am sorry to announce that long-time MLL coach Dave Huntley has passed away. The entire lacrosse community has lost a distinguished coach and an exceptional man.

— MajorLeague Lacrosse (@MLL_Lacrosse) December 19, 2017

(2/2) Major League Lacrosse would like to pass along our sincerest condolences to the Huntley family and the entire Atlanta Blaze organization." - David Gross.

— MajorLeague Lacrosse (@MLL_Lacrosse) December 19, 2017

Dave Huntley was a great man and a great friend. Made a tremendous impact in my life. God bless his family and all his friends that are hurting. I treasured our times together.

— Dave Cottle (@CoachCottle) December 19, 2017

Completely stunned by the news of Dave Huntley’s passing. He was a driving force behind the evolution of Canada field lacrosse and impacted so many lacrosse minds it’s impossible to keep count. Thoughts and prayers to his family. The Lacrosse world will never forget you Dave. pic.twitter.com/OEYazFnzmW

— teddy jenner (@OffTheCrosseBar) December 19, 2017

RIP to one of the greatest Canadians I knew Dave Huntley paved the way not only for me to get to hopkins but many other Canadians #Legend

— Joel Tinney (@5tinman21) December 19, 2017

We are heartbroken to report that our head coach, Dave Huntley, passed away. We will miss him tremendously, as a genius coach, a lacrosse legend, and a member of our family. Our thoughts are with his family and all those who considered him family.
Read: https://t.co/xrbdsOXZo0 pic.twitter.com/suh5GnAayy

— Atlanta Blaze (@AtlantaBlaze) December 19, 2017

Wanted to share a small example of the kind of guy Dave Huntley was. Last May, while the head coach of an MLL team he and @spencer_sford allowed my son a once in a lifetime behind the scenes day with the team. Incredible ambassador for the sport. pic.twitter.com/E02h08nJ7i

— Mark Millon (@markmillon) December 19, 2017

What a blow to the lacrosse world. Dave Huntley was a force of nature who made a difference to so many people. I recently spoke with Geoff @GeoffSnider4 for a story and his glowing words about Dave as a coach but even more as a man are echoed by those who knew him. RIP Hunts

— Stephen Stamp (@StampLax) December 19, 2017

Dave Huntley was one of the best things that ever happened to lacrosse. He was a player's coach, he took care of the guys in his locker room, he was an amazing ambassador and most importantly he was a kind person who made people around him smile. Rest In Peace Hunts.

— Joe French (@_JoeFrench) December 19, 2017

He is the best hands down. Cares so much about the person & his family rather than the athlete its very easy for the person 2 give his heart! This says it all. "If Dave Huntley called me up and said he needed me," Snider said, "I'd drop everything I'm doing & go give him a hand."

— Spencer Ford (@spencer_sford) November 24, 2017

We lost a very special man today. The world is lesser a place without Dave Huntley in it. Thoughts and prayers are with the Huntley Family. pic.twitter.com/0AogcRQdEm

— David Pietramala (@CoachPetro43) December 19, 2017

Terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Coach Hunts taught me a lot and helped me become a better player and coach. But most memorable were the conversations and guidance off the field. May he Rest In Peace. https://t.co/rlC7tk4OMo

— Brian Reese (@breese34) December 19, 2017

To live is to positively affect as many as you can. Dave Huntley had that kind of impact on so many in international, collegiate, high school, and professional lacrosse. Helping players til the end.

— Bill Tierney (@DUCoachTierney) December 19, 2017

At the Post Game, you wouldn't know who were Coach Huntley's guys or who was in the opposing dressing room that nite. He was just one of those guys. #RIPDave #Cheers

— Chris Collins (@Chris_Collins33) December 19, 2017

There is not much to say. We loved Dave Huntley. He impacted us all to love and honor the game. He cared so much for us all as players and people. He was a great man. We will never forget. #Hunts #TrueNorth

— Adam Ghitelman (@adam8taylor) December 19, 2017

This man meant so much to his family, friends, our community, and the game. A competitor, a selfless man, never wanted credit, and cared about people. That always showed. Love you, Dave. You’ll always be remembered. Thinking about you, Nancy and Kev. pic.twitter.com/KkAr1RDQ91

— Paul Rabil (@PaulRabil) December 19, 2017

Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of National Lacrosse Hall of Fame member Dave Huntley. Tremendous advocate for the sport in both the U.S. and Canada, and an even better person. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/1xAp4wxx0h

— US Lacrosse (@USLacrosse) December 19, 2017