Sources Confirm Suicide Victim Was a Tinley Park Bulldog

Sources confirmed Monday afternoon that a player from a traveling team has taken his own life.

Ryan Nash, 15, died Sunday night of a gunshot wound to the head, authorities have said. He was a  freshman and baseball player who is also listed on the Bulldogs' website as a player on the group's 15U traveling baseball team.

His death was ruled a suicide Monday, according to a report sent from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office shortly before 2 p.m.

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Bulldogs Commissioner Chris Hupe said he was devastated to hear the news.

"It's unbelievable," he said during a phone interview Monday afternoon. "We haven't had it hit this close to home as long as I've been with the organization. I struggle with words, to tell you the truth."

Hupe, who has been part of the Bulldogs for eight years, offered his prayers to the family on behalf of the Bulldogs and noted how close players, coaches and parents in the organization become. He said Nash's 15U team isn't scheduled to play a game until high school baseball seasons end.

"We really are a giant family," Hupe said. "We offer our condolences."

Others shared their thoughts about Nash, too; some in more unconventional ways.

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Nash’s death sparked a massive reaction on Twitter, with prayers and support for him. Some thought early on that bullying may have been a contributing factor, but on Monday sources said that was not the case in Nash's death.

School counselors and social workers were on hand Monday to help students get through what several described as a hard day. Sandburg Principal Debbie Boniface said there was an outpouring of support from students and staff alike on Monday. 

The 15U traveling team's coach could not immediately be reached for comment on Monday.