A high school baseball player has died at 17 after suffering a severe medical emergency following an unremarkable game in Ohio.
According to online reports, Wooster High School sophomore Maddox Graser had two hits in a 10-0 win earlier this week, after which he returned home without any issue.
Maddox became ill that evening before being rushed to a hospital in Wooster and later transported to Akron Children’s Hospital as his condition worsened.
On Saturday, the school revealed that Maddox had passed away without revealing any specifics about the tragedy.
‘Dear WHS Students and Families,’ began the post from school principal Margaret Davis. ‘It gives me great sorrow to inform you that Maddox Graser, a sophomore student at Wooster High School, passed away after experiencing a severe medical emergency earlier this week. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his family, friends, classmates, and all who knew him.
‘Maddox was an outstanding student, athlete, and friend, and he will be deeply missed in our building.
According to online reports, Wooster High School sophomore Maddox Graser had two hits in a 10-0 win earlier this week, after which he returned home without any issue
Maddox Graser became ill after a recent win and was later rushed to a hospital in Wooster
‘We know there are often no words that can console or relieve us from our grief, and over the coming days and weeks, we expect students may experience a number of emotions. It is our priority to support them through it.’
The school will remain open with counsellors available for Maddox’s classmates throughout the weekend.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Maddox’s family. It was stared as a request for ‘medical and/or funeral expenses,’ while also helping to cover the time his family has taken off of work.
A follow-up post on the page announced Maddox’s death, while alerting his friends and loved ones about a memorial walk in his honor in the coming days.
‘Please hold his family in your hearts and prayers as they navigate through this unimaginable grief,’ read the post. ‘They will need to be surrounded with love and support in the days, weeks and months to come.
‘Maddox, you will never be forgotten, you left an imprint on so many hearts and lives.’
In addition to playing infield, Maddox Graser also pitched for Wooster High School
Maddox Graser is seen as a boy wearing the Wooster Baseball logo and playing catch
The family’s GoFundMe page was shared across social media this weekend, with former NFL quarterback Sean Salisbury and the conservative influencer known as Gunther Eagleman sharing his story.
Maddox was also a member of Wooster’s wrestling team, which dedicated a Facebook post to him on Saturday.
‘The impact that Maddox Graser had on all of our lives can not be expressed in words,’ the post began. ‘He was more than just a student or an athlete. He was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, best friend, teammate, classmate, etc.
‘The tremendous heartache that everyone feels, just shows how much he was loved, and how amazing he was as a person. He will be missed more [than] anyone can explain, but he will never be forgotten.’
