Aaron “AJ” Beatty, Jr., age 23, of Bethel Park, PA, and a 2020 graduate of Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, passed away on July 14, 2025, in Pittsburgh.
While the cause of his tragic demise remains undisclosed, reports confirm that his passing was sudden and unexpected.
AJ Beatty Was A Standout Athlete, Excelling Both On The Football And Lacrosse Fields!
AJ Beatty, born on July 11, 2002, in Brookline, Pittsburgh, was a talented athlete and a kind-hearted young man.
He graduated from Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School in 2020, where he played both football and lacrosse.
Before transferring to Pittsburgh, he played lacrosse at Bethel Park High School, where he was listed as an attack/midfield player wearing jersey #24.
His lacrosse highlights include matchups against strong programs like Mt. Lebanon and North Allegheny.
Likewise, AJ stood out in football, earning All-State honors, making the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fab 22.
He also excelled as a tight end and helped lead Central Catholic to a WPIAL Championship in 2019.
His talent drew national attention, resulting in over 40 Division I scholarship offers.
He began his collegiate career at the University of North Carolina and later transferred to the University at Albany, where he graduated summa cum laude in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.
After college, AJ pursued a career in public service. He graduated from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Academy in 2025 and served as a Deputy Sheriff with the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office.
Moreover, he was known not only for his skills on the field but also for his leadership, positive attitude, and close bond with his family.
We are saddened to hear about the loss of former Central Catholic star Defensive End AJ Beatty.
— WPIAL Insider (@WPIAL_Insider) July 15, 2025
Our condolences go out to the Beatty and Central Catholic family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/fNtXKUQyo8
AJ’s sudden and unexpected death at the age of 23 has left his family, friends, and the entire community in deep sorrow.
Many people have shared kind messages and memories of him, calling him genuine, caring, and respected by all who knew him.
His former teammates, coaches, and classmates have joined his family in mourning.
Moreover, his friends are remembering him as both a great athlete and a great person, saying:
Prayers to the Beatty family, I had the chance to room with AJ our freshman year at UNC. One of the most kind and genuine humans I’ve ever met. Rest Easy AJ.
AJ is survived by his parents, Aaron and Kim Beatty, sister Maya, niece Celina, his girlfriend Ali Sniegocki, and many extended family members and friends.
Having just stepped into his role as a Deputy Sheriff, AJ Beatty’s life was tragically cut short before he could fully serve the community he so deeply cared for.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to AJ Beatty’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Beautiful Soul!
