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A high school lacrosse player from Ohio has died after sustaining a severe injury during a game earlier this week, leaving his community grieving and rallying around his family.
Dylan Veselic, 16, a sophomore at Bay Village High School, passed away on Thursday, May 8, two days after he was struck during a lacrosse game in Olmsted Falls. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news to school officials that morning.
Witnesses told NBC affiliate WKYC that Dylan had been hit in the back of the head, just below his helmet, by a ball when a teammate attempted to block a shot from the opposing team. He was immediately hospitalized and underwent surgery on Wednesday, May 7, but remained in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries.
Bay Village Schools released a statement honoring the young athlete’s memory. “Dylan was a dedicated student and athlete, and we are heartbroken by this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dylan’s family and friends during this time,” the district said.
Bay Village Athletics echoed the sentiment in a tribute posted Thursday: “With heavy hearts, the Veselic family shared the news that Dylan had passed away from injuries suffered during a lacrosse game.”
They continued, “Dylan was an amazing student athlete, always wearing a smile on his face when supporting his fellow teammates. 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.”
In place of a scheduled lacrosse match, the school community held a prayer service and vigil Thursday evening at St. Raphael Catholic Church to honor Dylan’s life and mourn his loss.
To support the Veselic family, local mom Lysa Balmer Kenney whose son also plays lacrosse launched a tribute called “Sticks Out.” Inspired by similar gestures in the hockey community, Kenney asked players to place lacrosse and hockey sticks on their porches as a visible sign of support.
“We are deeply touched by the overwhelming support and kindness shown by our community and beyond,” the Veselic family shared. “We ask that you continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
