Crime & Safety
GA Teen Golfer Dies During Homecoming Prank, Reports Say
The "charismatic" high-school golfer reportedly collapsed and died while doing "homecoming activities" at a Georgia home, authorities said.
EASTMAN, GA — A 17-year-old high-school golfer collapsed and died Monday at a Georgia home as teens were tee-peeing a house as part of homecoming festivities, media reports say.
Dodge County High School announced the death of junior Hadden Kelly in a Facebook post published Monday.
Joe Smith, the county coroner who is also Kelly's great-uncle, told WGXA that Kelly was doing "homecoming activities" at the time of his death.
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In a WMGT report, Smith said Kelly collapsed early morning while his friends were tee-peeing a house with toilet paper. Kelly was found unresponsive at the home, WMGT reported.
An autopsy is being performed to determine an official cause of death, since it is unknown why Kelly collapsed, media reports say.
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Smith told WGXA that Kelly was charismatic, outgoing and a passionate golfer. Kelly worked at a local golf club and could have gone professional, Smith told WGXA.
Kelly was a member of Dodge County High's golf team, school officials said.
Head Coach Paula Selph and the team shared the following statement on Tuesday:
"Hadden LOVED golf and the Golf Team surely loves Hadden. Hadden was our team leader, always encouraging and forever speaking positive words to all around him. He so hoped that our golf team would keep improving and desperately sought after participating in the State tournament. He was our top performing golfer and always finished earlier than most of his teammates. He ALWAYS stayed till each team member finished. He could have left as most of the time he finished first against the competition. It wasn't about him. He stayed to support his team. He wanted the team to succeed! What a witness to his character! We love Hadden and we love his family! Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Let's take this example of selflessness into our own lives and little by little make the world a better place!"
It is unknown when a memorial is planned for Kelly.
Dodge County High School is located in Eastman, about 138 miles south of Atlanta.
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