High school lacrosse player hurt during match in Ohio dies from injuries
Editor's note: The teen's cause of death has been released. Click here for the latest update as of Wednesday, May 14.
Community members are grieving the loss of a Cleveland area lacrosse player who was injured during a game this week and died.
Dylan Veselic, a 16-year-old sophomore at Bay Village High School, was injured during a lacrosse game on May 6 in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, the Bay Village School District told Paste BN.
Veselic was trying to block another player's shot when the ball hit him at the base of the back of his head, below his helmet, reported television station WKYC.
He passed away the morning of May 8, according to his school district.
After Veselic was injured, the Bay Village Boys Lacrosse team shared updates for community members, asking them to keep the student and his family in their prayers.
$36K raised to support family
Officers from the Olmsted Township Police Department responded that night and performed CPR on Veselic, the police department confirmed to Paste BN. Paramedics tried to save him before taking him to the hospital.
Olmstead fire officials also responded to the scene, police said. When asked about the injuries the teenager sustained, the fire department declined to comment.
Once at the hospital, Veselic underwent surgery, reported television station WEWS-TV.
During his hospitalization, Community members started a meal train. Those interested in helping could drop off food to the Veselic family, or donate gift cards so they could order meals. The meal train had a $500 goal. As of May 8, donors had raised over $36,000.
A local hockey mom, Lysa Balmer Kenney, started a tribute for Veselic, calling for locals to place lacrosse and hockey sticks on their porches to support him, reported television station WJW.
Bay High School principal Jason Martin sent out an announcement on May 7 that the student athlete was still in critical condition. The next day, the school shared that Veselic had "passed away from his injuries."
The lacrosse team had announced a prayer for healing service set for 7 p.m. on May 8 at Saint Raphael Church. The athlete passed away by 8 a.m. that morning, so instead, the event will go on as a vigil, reported WJW.
Student was 'always wearing a smile on his face'
Matt Spellman, the athletics and activities director of the Bay Village School District, said in a statement on May 8 that the boys lacrosse and soccer teams appreciate the support they've received from other teams within the area.
"Dylan was an amazing student, always wearing a smile on his face while supporting his fellow teammates," Spellman said. "He was 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."
School District Superintendent Scot Prebles said in a statement that he was “a dedicated student and athlete,” and administrators are saddened by his death.
Veselic’s family shared a statement through the school district announcing his passing. In the statement, they thanked those who helped them this week for their support.
“We are deeply touched by the overwhelming support and kindness shown by our community and beyond,” his family wrote.
This story was updated to add new information.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on Paste BN's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.