An Ohio high school lacrosse star died two days after he suffered an injury during a game, as loved ones remembered the teen who always had “smile on his face.”
Bay Village High School sophomore Dylan Veselic, 16, was playing against Olmsted Falls on Tuesday night when a ball struck him at the base of the back of his head when he attempted to block a shot, according to WKYC, citing witnesses.
Veselic was rushed to a local hospital before he was transported to a different hospital on Wednesday, where he underwent surgery, Cleveland19 reported.
On Thursday morning, Veselic’s family announced he had died from his injuries.
“With heavy hearts, the Veselic family shares the news that Dylan has passed away from injuries suffered during a lacrosse game,” his family announced. “We are deeply touched by the overwhelming support and kindness shown by our community and beyond.”
“We ask that you continue to keep up in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” his family’s statement added.
Veselic was the captain of the team and a long stick midfielder, according to MaxPreps.com.
“Dylan was an amazing student athlete, always wearing a smile on his face while supporting his fellow teammates,” Bay High School Athletic Director Matt Spellman wrote in a statement released on X Thursday.
“He was kind, hard working, and dedicated, consistently showing leadership, empathy and a positive attitude both on the field and in the classroom.”
“Dylan was a well-liked and respected young man who touched the lives of many with his kindness, character and spirit,” Bay High School principal Jason Martin wrote in a statement on the school district’s Facebook page.
Neighbors in Bay Village, just west of Cleveland, placed lacrosse sticks, hockey sticks, and even soccer balls on their front porches to honor Veselic.
“We are also deeply grateful to our neighboring communities for their outpouring of compassion and support,” Martin added. “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.”
A fundraiser for his family has raised nearly $100,000.
The school’s athletic department canceled a series of games on Thursday through Saturday following Veselic’s death.
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine reported that men’s and women’s lacrosse “exhibited above-average risks of injury compared to other high school sports” between 2022 and 2023.
The head or face was the “most frequent site of injury,” and concussions were the “most prevalent diagnosis, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. Added.
