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 USA TODAY. He passed away the morning of May 8.
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.
Keep praying for Dylan and his family. pic.twitter.com/rvO4Mipeoe
— Bay Village Boys Lacrosse (@BayVillageLAX) May 7, 2025
$36K raised to support family
Veselic was hospitalized and 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.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bay High School lacrosse player injured in match dies 2 days later
