Dylan Veselic Death and Obituary – The community of Bay Village, Ohio, has been shaken by the tragic death of Dylan Veselic, a sophomore on the Bay High School boys lacrosse team. Veselic, 16, passed away on Thursday morning after suffering a fatal head injury during a varsity game against Olmsted Falls on Tuesday night.
The incident occurred when an Olmsted Falls player took a shot on goal, and Veselic, attempting to block it, was struck at the base of the back of his head, just below his helmet. Witnesses described the moment as harrowing, and despite efforts from coaches, trainers, and first responders, Veselic’s injuries proved fatal. His family confirmed his death in a statement released Thursday, expressing their heartbreak and gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received from both the local community and beyond.
“We are deeply touched by the overwhelming support and kindness shown by our community and beyond,” the Veselic family said in their statement. “We ask that you continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
In the wake of this devastating loss, Bay High School and the surrounding community have come together to mourn the young athlete’s passing. The scheduled boys lacrosse game at Keystone on Thursday was canceled as the focus shifted to honoring Dylan’s memory. A prayer service was held at Saint Raphael Catholic Church in Bay Village, where local residents gathered to pay their respects and find solace in one another’s company.
Bay High School Superintendent, Scot Prebles, expressed his grief and shared his condolences in a statement to the media: “It is with deep sadness that I share the news of a tragic loss within our school community. 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.”
The school district also offered counseling services to students, staff, and families to help them cope with the traumatic event. Prebles noted that administrators met with Dylan’s teammates and other students on Wednesday to provide support. Similar emotional support was also offered to students and staff at Olmsted Falls High School, where the tragedy unfolded.
Dr. Jim Lloyd, the superintendent of Olmsted Falls, expressed his sympathy and admiration for the swift response to the emergency. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Dylan, his family, teammates, and the Bay community. They are a small, tight-knit group, and we know that tragedies like this impact everyone deeply,” Lloyd said. “I am proud of our high school team for how quickly they handled the event, and I can’t thank our administrators, trainers, EMS, and police department enough for their quick action.”
In honor of Dylan Veselic, families involved in Bay Village’s lacrosse community have been placing lacrosse sticks on their front porches, a symbolic gesture to remember the young player’s spirit. Additionally, a Meal Train has been set up to support the Veselic family during this difficult time. As of Wednesday evening, over $28,000 had been raised by the community to help with the family’s needs.
The tragic accident has left a lasting impact on both the Bay Village and Olmsted Falls communities, which have come together in the face of this devastating loss. Dylan’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and the legacy of his passion for lacrosse and his dedication to his team will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.
