A STAR student has tragically died after a freak accident while playing lacrosse.
Dylan Veselic, 16, was taken to hospital in a critical condition after being struck by a ball in the back of his head.
Veselic, a sophomore at Bay Village High School in Ohio, died yesterday, two days after a shot from an opponent struck the back of his head underneath his helmet, reported Fox News.
His family confirmed the teen’s death in a statement on Thursday, which said, “With heavy hearts, the Veselic family shares the news that Dylan has passed away from injuries suffered during a lacrosse game.
“We are deeply touched by the overwhelming support and kindness shown by our community and beyond.
“We ask that you continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
The Bay High School team had been playing Olmsted Falls High School at Olmsted Falls when Dylan was hurt, said Cleveland 19.
Dylan had reportedly been rushed to hospital by ambulance on Tuesday night.
He was then transferred by air ambulance to another hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.
With heavy hearts, the Veselic family shares the news that Dylan has passed away from injuries suffered during a lacrosse game
The Daily Mail reported that he had remained in a critical condition throughout Wednesday before his family confirmed his death.
Fr. Dan Schlegel of St. Raphael’s in Bay Village where the Veselic family belongs told Cleveland 19, “Dylan was a great kid.”
He anointed Dylan in hospital on Wednesday before he died.
Schlegel added, “He was a teammate and that was really important for us to note that he wasn’t about himself – he was really a team player.
“Our important part right now is to support and comfort with his family in the days ahead and figure out the way that each of us can honor Dylan in our own lives so that his memory stays in our hearts and stays in our thoughts forever.”
Jason Martin, the principal of Bay High School, also paid tribute to Dylan.
He said, “Dylan was a well-liked and respected young man who touched the lives of many with his kindness, character and spirit.”
Bay High School’s tribute to Dylan Veselic
The high school lacrosse player, 16, from Ohio died from his injuries in hospital on Thursday
Jason Martin, the principal of Bay High School, paid tribute to the young athlete:
“Dylan was a well-liked and respected young man who touched the lives of many with his kindness, character and spirit.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family during this unimaginably difficult time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we hope they find comfort in the love and support of our community.
“We are also deeply grateful to our neighboring communities for their outpouring of compassion and support.
“The response and comments throughout the day from his teachers, coaches, teammates and classmates have been a powerful reminder of the positive impact he had on those around him and the enduring mark he has left on all of us.”
Dylan had reportedly tried to block a shot from a rival player during the match.
But the ball is believed to have struck the teen on the back of the head, just below his helmet.
Cleveland.com said Dylan “was a leader – a fast, fearless player on Bay High School’s boys lacrosse team who could roam both ends of the field.
“His teammates and community members looked up to him, as did the team’s fan base.
“His death underscores the lingering fears in a sport that has blossomed in popularity but remains dangerous despite recent changes to improve athletes’ safety.”
Twenty-five players died between 1982 and 2020 due to injuries sustained during lacrosse games, according to a 2023 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Medicine.
AMAZING STUDENT
Matt Spellman, of the Bay High School Athletic Department, described Dylan as “an amazing student athlete, always wearing a smile on his face while supporting his fellow teammates.”
He added that the student was also “kind, hardworking, and dedicated, consistently showing leadership, empathy, and a positive attitude both on the field and in the classroom.
“Dylan’s enthusiasm, determination, and willingness to help others made him a role model for his peers.”
A lacrosse game at Keystone, scheduled for Thursday, was canceled in light of a 7 p.m. prayer service for Dylan at St. Raphael Church in Bay Village, the lacrosse team announced on social media.
Counseling is being offered at school to “students, staff and family who need support” following Dylan’s death.
HEARTFELT TRIBUTES
The school’s website shows a poignant photo of an impromptu tribute for their classmate at his locker – which has been covered in post-it notes with messages. There are also bouquets left in his honor.
One woman said on Facebook, “The words on those notes were so heartfelt.
“Both the soccer team and the lacrosse team gathered all of the notes, placed them on card stock, laminated them and made them into books to give to Dylan’s parents.
“It was important to share all of the notes with his family so they could see how much he was loved.”
Many expressed how their “hearts hurt” for Dylan, as well as his friends and family.
Another person said, “My heart hurts so bad for this family. RIP Dylan. I hope the other boy involved is doing OK.”
Scot Prebles, Bay Village Schools superintendent, told Cleveland.com, “Dylan was a dedicated student and athlete, and we are heartbroken by this loss.”
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/sport/14204632/high-school-student-lacrosse-death-dylan-veselic-injury/