The community of Bay Village is mourning the death of a high school student after he suffered an injury during a lacrosse match.
Bay High School's Dylan Veselic was playing against Olmsted Falls on Tuesday when he was critically injured. He was immediately taken into surgery but died two days later.
According to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office, his cause of death was listed as a blunt force craniocervical injury. The manner of death was ruled accidental.
The Veselic family released the following statement on his death:
"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."
Reverend Daniel F. Schlegel of St. Raphael, who is a family friend, said Veselic's death was accompanied by many tears.
"It was a deep sadness, and, of course, a deep grief at that point in time, I think that they knew that things were very, very serious," he said. "There were a whole lot of tears, I would say. But the family is a family of deep faith and coping through this, and I think that, along with the community support, has been a really good help for them.
"Dylan was fun-loving. I saw a great picture of him being pushed around a cart in an ice rink. He was a great team member. His team members loved him and supported him."
The Bay Village City School District announced Friday night's game against Clay High School has been canceled.
Bay Village residents showed their support for the Veselic family throughout the city.
Rocky River also showed its support for its neighboring city.
A mealtrain for the family has already raised more than $82,000.
