After suffering injuries during a game earlier this week, an Ohio high school lacrosse player Dylan Veselic passed away on Thursday, leaving behind his parents
He was only sixteen.
Dylan Veselic, a sophomore at Bay High School, which is close to Cleveland, was apparently taken by ambulance to the hospital and then transported by helicopter to another facility, where he had emergency surgery.
Who is Dylan Veselic as Bay High School, Ohio lacrosse player passes away due to head injury, cause of death reason, bio, age, family and parents
The 16-year-old student athlete Dylan Veselic was reportedly hit in the back of the head by the ball on Tuesday. His family acknowledged his death in a statement on Thursday after he remained in critical condition through Wednesday.
Earlier today, Bay High School students started an impromptu tribute for their classmate, Dylan Veselic, at his locker. #SticksOutForDylan #12 #6 #BeProudToBeBay pic.twitter.com/uwyatWFQuw
— Bay Village Schools (@BaySchoolsOH) May 8, 2025
‘With heavy hearts, the Veselic family shares the news that Dylan has passed away from injuries suffered during a lacrosse game,’ they wrote.
‘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.’
Tragic events occurred during the match versus Olmsted Falls, according to WKYC, when Veselic tried to stop a rival player’s shot. He is reported to have been hit by the ball directly below his helmet on the back of his head.
An Olmsted Falls player was attempting a shot on goal when Veselic moved to block it, but the ball struck Veselic at the base of the back of the head below his helmet.
He was taken to the hospital and underwent surgery on Wednesday, May 7, school officials said, but remained in critical condition and on Thursday morning, his family confirmed the tragic news of his death. While he leaves behind his parents and family members, their names aren’t known.
Teammates and members of the community gathered Thursday for a prayer service in honor of age 16 Dylan Veselic, held at Saint Raphael Catholic Church.
A Bay Village hockey mom, Lysa Balmer Kenney, started a “Sticks Out” tribute for the lacrosse player, encouraging the community to put lacrosse and hockey sticks on their porches to show love and support for the family.
It occurs only a few weeks after a Minnesota high school athlete was hospitalized for traumatic brain injury following a ball strike to the head during lacrosse practice.
Dylan has passed away from his injuries sustained at Tuesday’s game. Please continue to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/JbKaSBE4JV
— Bay Village Boys Lacrosse (@BayVillageLAX) May 8, 2025
Veselic was called “an amazing student athlete, always wearing a smile on his face while supporting his fellow teammates” in a statement released by Bay High School Athletic Department and Matt Spellman.
Bay High School boys’ lacrosse game cancelled
In light of the tragedy, the Bay High School boys’ lacrosse game at Keystone, which was scheduled for Thursday, was cancelled. Additionally, counseling is being provided to “students, staff, and family who need support.”
Families have been honouring Veselic by putting lacrosse sticks on their front doors across Bay Village.
Additionally, a ‘Meal Train’ for the Veselic family has been organized, and as of Thursday evening, $72,766 has been raised. $500 was the original target.