Latest news with #Veselic
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Community rallies around family after Bay Village lacrosse player dies
BAY VILLAGE, Ohio (WJW) — The heartbroken community of Bay Village is still reeling after the death of 16-year-old Dylan Veselic, a student-athlete who died Thursday morning after suffering a traumatic injury during a lacrosse game on Tuesday. This tragic situation has deeply shaken the Bay Village community, but there's also a lot of good being done to support the Veselic family. Bay Village lacrosse player dies after critical injury during game Tributes are building across the city, with residents placing lacrosse sticks on their front porches in memory of Dylan. The multi-sport athlete was injured Tuesday during competition. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, but Veselic passed away early Thursday morning, according to the Bay Village City School District. Friday's boys lacrosse game was canceled, as players, coaches and the community continue to grieve. Boys soccer coach Bobby Doughtery posted a tribute to Dylan on his personal Facebook page, writing in part: 'With a broken heart, we — few, we happy few, we band of brothers — must say goodbye to one of the most beautiful souls to walk among us. Dylan, rest in peace. You will be missed more than words can ever express.' The community packed Saint Raphael Catholic Church for an emotional prayer vigil Thursday night. Candles burned through the night in honor of Dylan. As tributes continue to grow, so does support for the Veselic family through a Meal Train fundraiser that has quickly surpassed $85,000. The campaign has meals covered through the first week of June. Community members said they're trying to raise as much money as possible to help the family cover expenses during this extremely difficult time. 'It's devastating,' Bay Village parent Dan Griffin said. 'I mean, having kids who play sports, it kind of hits home.' Griffin, whose two sons play lacrosse, is supporting the 'Sticks Out for Dylan' campaign. 'It's just showing support and being a part of a community,' he said. 'I mean, that's what you need to do. We don't know the family, but we want them to know that we're here for them.' Bay Village community holds vigil honoring student who died after lacrosse injury USA Lacrosse, the national governing body for the sport, also responded with a statement: 'USA Lacrosse extends its deepest condolences to the family, teammates and friends of Dylan Veselic. We, along with the entire lacrosse community, share in the pain his family and friends are feeling. We have reached out to a school official to learn more and offer our support.' The organization noted that deaths in high school lacrosse are extremely rare, with only two reported in boys' competition over the past 40 years. 'We will share any learnings from this tragedy with our Sports Science and Safety Committee to determine if there are any actions we can take to improve player safety,' a spokesperson wrote in an email. FOX 8 News spoke with a dozen or more people within the community, and while most didn't feel comfortable speaking on camera, all shared the same message: Their hearts are with the Veselic family and they want to support them however they can. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Community rallies around family of Bay Village student who died following lacrosse injury
BAY VILLAGE, Ohio (WJW) — The community of Bay Village is rallying around the family of Dylan Veselic following his shocking death at just 16 years old. Veselic was injured during a lacrosse game at Olmsted Falls Tuesday night and was hospitalized in critical condition, the Bay Village school district said. The district shared a statement with the news of Veselic's passing Thursday morning. They also included a statement from the Veselic family. The community, which is still in mourning, is also lifting up the Veselic family any way it can. That includes delivering them food, monetary donations made online, and through a prayer service being held Thursday night. NE Ohio Catholic leaders 'rejoice' following announcement of new American pope The service will be led by Fr. Dan Schlegel, the pastor at St. Raphael Catholic Church. Schlegel shared with Fox 8 that the Veselics are parishioners at the church, but his connection with the family runs much deeper. 'I buried Dylan's grandfather back in 2007 when he was killed tragically going to his mailbox at the end of his street and he was killed. I was pastor back then in Bainbridge, and so seeing his grandmother yesterday and knowing that this is the second tragedy that she's experienced personally, that was really hard,' he said. Schlegel remembered Dylan as a team leader, a sportsman and a great kid who positively impacted those around him. He shared that the family wouldn't be attending the prayer service, but they'll still be watching a live stream. He called it a special night where Dylan can be remembered. Tourist dies in fall at Arches National Park Schegel added that the support and prayers can make a difference. 'It's amazing what 24 hours can do to change your life forever, and during that time to know that you have this much support I think makes the world of difference for them,' he explained. 'It doesn't take away their grief or pain, but it comforts them in the midst of it knowing that they're going to get through it because they have this whole community and body of support behind them.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
