Benjamin Louis Lagow

Benjamin Louis Lagow, 20, departed this world unexpectedly from sudden cardiac arrest due to possible hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, while at home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

A sophomore at Hampden-Sydney College, Ben played on the Varsity Men's Lacrosse team and was also active in the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He graduated from Norfolk Academy in 2022, where he captained the soccer and lacrosse teams his senior year. He was a beloved figure in the Upper School, and indeed across the entire Norfolk Academy campus, recognized and admired for his outgoing personality, school spirit and friendliness to all. It was for these personal qualities and his many achievements that he received the Charles Forsyth Wirth award. Ben was truly the unique individual who made everyone he spoke with feel like they were the most important person in the world at that moment.

While he was born in New York City, Ben was a Virginia Beach kid through and through. Being outside - particularly on the water or sports fields was where Ben was happiest. He grew up on the water, spending time with his grandfather wakeboarding and fishing. More recently he found a passion for surfing. His time on the soccer and lacrosse fields allowed him to play the sports he loved with the teammates and coaches he loved even more. The Hampden-Sydney lacrosse team had truly become his new brotherhood at college.

Family and friends were everything to Ben, who often made no real distinction between the two. No one was a stranger to Ben, and he lit up every room he was ever in. More than just the life of the party, Ben was a deeply caring and loyal friend, boyfriend, teammate, brother, son and grandson- willing to do anything for those he held closest. From a young age, Ben evidenced the endearing qualities that would define his success in high school and college - a natural leader, great sense of humor, always positive and friendly, and always willing to work hard. These traits are why he was not only a loving big brother to his siblings Max and Cate but also their best friend. They were also why he had such an outsized influence at Norfolk Academy - only someone with Ben's personality and sincerity could compete on the lacrosse field while also leading the "Dawg Pound" spirit club at other sporting events and also confident enough to interview faculty, including the Head of School about their "secret crushes."

Ben is survived by his parents, Jen and Chris Lagow, brother Max, sister Cate, grandparents Dr. Jonathan and Mrs. Dale Jacobs and grandmother Mrs. Martha Lagow, in addition to twelve aunts and uncles and fourteen cousins.

Funeral services will be held at Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk at 12:00pm on Sunday, December 31st.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Norfolk Academy in memory of Ben. NA was a second home to Ben and played an integral role in nurturing him into the amazing young man that he was. He often expressed his desire and intention to give back to the school in any way that he could.

Condolences may be offered to Ben's family at www.altmeyerfh.com.