High school sophomore Dylan Veselic died on May 8 from injuries sustained during a lacrosse game two days prior
Veselic was in critical condition and underwent surgery on May 7
The late high school athlete was a “role model to his peers,” the school district said in a statement after his death
A 16-year-old lacrosse player died from injuries sustained during a game at his high school in Ohio.
Dylan Veselic, a sophomore at Bay Village High School, died Thursday, May 8, his family confirmed to the school district.
Veselic was injured in a game two days prior in Olmstead Falls, Ohio. A witness at the game told local NBC affiliate WKYC that Veselic had been struck by a ball in the back of his head, below his helmet, when a Bay Village player tried to block a shot from the opposing team.
He was taken to the hospital and underwent surgery on Wednesday, May 7, school officials said, but remained in critical condition. On Thursday morning, his family confirmed the tragic news of his death.
In a statement issued to PEOPLE, the family said, “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.”
Bay Village superintendent Scot Prebles said in a statement to PEOPLE, “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.”
Bay Village Athletics spoke out on Thursday as well, saying, “With heavy hearts, the Veselic family shared the news that Dylan had passed away from injuries suffered during a lacrosse game.”
“Dylan was an amazing student athlete, always wearing a smile on his face when supporting his fellow teammates,” Bay Village Athletics’ statement continued. “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.”
A previously scheduled Bay Village lacrosse match on Thursday has been canceled. Instead, a prayer service and vigil will be held at St. Raphael Catholic Church.
In support of the family, local mom Lysa Balmer Kenney, whose son also plays lacrosse, started a “Sticks Out” tribute to the Veselic family. According to a previous report from Fox 8, Kenney encouraged local lacrosse and hockey players to prop their sticks up on their porches as a visual show of support for the family.