RIT was preparing to play an early season game against Springfield College, when, during a passing drill, he was struck with an errant shot, which caused his heart to stop beating. Although immediate treatment was available, he was admitted to the hospital in critical condition and never recovered.

Bernhardt was a freshman midfielder for the Tigers and had earned League Honorable Mention for his midfield play on last year's Championship team. His mother, Paula Bernhardt, told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, "He loved lacrosse. He thought it. He ate it. He slept it. He dreamed it. And he died from it."

The Penfield lacrosse team wants to dedicate their season to Todd, according to the Chief's Coach, Mark Rice. "They want to dedicate the season to Todd's memory and play hard the way Todd would want us to play."

Todd's parents, through a statement issued by RIT said: "We appreciate all the prayers for us from our community, and especially those from Penfield and RIT. We thank all our family and friends for their support, and lastly, we wish to thank God for allowing us to love and cherish our son Todd. He was truly a gift."

This was this second tragic loss for the Section Five lacrosse community in recent months. Webster player, Leo Fox died in a car accident in October.