Teenage lacrosse player died from blunt-force injury during game, medical examiner says

USA Today

13-05-2025

Teenage lacrosse player died from blunt-force injury during game, medical examiner says Dylan Veselic was injured during a May 6 game in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, when he was blocking a shot and the ball hit him at the base of the back of his head. The team has ended its season early.
A Cleveland-area high school lacrosse player died from an accidental blunt-force injury he got during a game this month, according to the medical examiner's office that performed his autopsy.
Dylan Veselic, 16, was playing in a lacrosse game in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, on May 6, when he was injured, the Bay Village School District previously told USA TODAY. The teen was trying to block another player's shot when the ball hit him at the base of the back of his head, below his helmet, reported WKYC-TV.
Dylan's death stemmed from a blunt-force injury to his craniocervical area, where the skull connects to the first few vertebrae of the neck, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office said on May 13.
Olmsted Township police and fire officials responded to the scene before Dylan was rushed to the hospital. Doctors performed surgery on the teenager, reported television station WEWS-TV. Dylan died two days after the injury, the school district confirmed.
The Bay Village Boys Lacrosse team announced that it was ending its season early on Tuesday, May 13.
'Following a period of thoughtful reflection this past weekend, the Bay High School Boys Lacrosse Team has made the decision to conclude its season,' the team wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
More about the fallen lacrosse player
The teenager was a sophomore at Bay Village High School, the school district confirmed.
Principal Jason Martin said in a statement that he was kind and well-known.
"Dylan was a well-liked and respected young man who touched the lives of many with his kindness, character, and spirit,' Martin wrote in the statement. 'We extend our deepest condolences to his family during this unimaginably difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we hope they find comfort in the love and support of our community.'
On May 8, classmates created a tribute for the teenager at his locker, the district shared online. Lacrosse clubs in Australia also held moments of silence for him.
Matt Spellman, the athletics and activities director of the Bay Village School District, said in a statement that "Dylan was an amazing student, always wearing a smile on his face while 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," Spellman said.
Dylan's family thanks community for support
While the teen was hospitalized, locals started a meal train to support his family. The meal train started with a $500 goal and by May 13, nearly $118,000 had been raised.
'We are deeply touched by the overwhelming support and kindness shown by our community and beyond,' his family said in a statement.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at [e-mail].