Teammates and members of the community gathered Thursday for a prayer service in honor of Dylan Veselic, held at Saint Raphael Catholic Church.
3News has learned that Dylan Veselic, a Bay High School boys lacrosse player, has died after suffering a head injury during a varsity game at Olmsted Falls Tuesday night.
Bay High School confirmed his death to 3News on Thursday morning. The following statement was released from the Veselic family:Â
“With heavy hearts, the Veselic family shares the news that Dylan has passed away from injuries suffered during a lacrosse game. 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 Athletics also released the following on X:Â
According to witnesses, 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.
Per Bay’s athletic website, Thursday’s scheduled boys lacrosse game at Keystone was canceled.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the news of a tragic loss within our school community, the passing of Bay High School sophomore Dylan Veselic. 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. Counseling services are available at Bay High School for students, staff and family who need support,” said Scot Prebles, Superintendent of the Bay Village City School District.
Prebles previously noted that counselors and administrators met with Dylan’s teammates and other students on Wednesday morning. Similar support was offered at Olmsted Falls High School as members of that district “work through their feelings and emotions.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with (Dylan), his family, teammates and the Bay Community. They are a small, tight knit group like us so we know that things of this nature impact a community,” Dr. Jim Lloyd, superintendent at Olmsted Falls, said in a statement. “I am proud of our high school team with how quickly they handled the event and can’t thank our administrators, trainers, EMS and police department enough for their quick action.”
In Bay Village, lacrosse families are placing sticks on their front porches to remember the sophomore.
The team has also been working to gather Meal Train donations for the Velesic Family. As of Thursday evening, more than $65,000 has been raised.
Dylan attended Saint Raphael Catholic Church, where a prayer service was held for him on Thursday night. Fr. Dan Schlegel, who led the service, spoke to 3News’ Kaitor Kay beforehand.
“I think you have to be realistic about expectations. There’s nothing that a preacher can say that will take away the pain and the hurt of such a tragic loss. But there are things that we can point to, such as the community support and the love that’s gathered,” he said.
You can watch the prayer service below.
