A 17-year-old golf prodigy who was known as a supportive leader suddenly died after collapsing while carrying out a homecoming prank with friends in Georgia, according to reports.
Hadden Kelly, a junior at Dodge County High School in Eastman, was pronounced dead Monday morning after being found unresponsive in the yard of a home he and friends were TPing — a stunt that involves tossing rolls of toilet paper over houses, trees and bushes, his great-uncle confirmed to 41 NBC.
Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith — the star athlete’s great-uncle — said it remains unclear why the teen collapsed, and autopsy results to determine his cause of death are still pending.
Hadden Kelly, 17, suddenly died Monday after collapsing during a school prank. facebook/dodgecountyhighschoolindiansSmith described the teen as charismatic, outspoken and a “jam-up” golfer destined for the pro leagues.
“If he didn’t pass, I swear he would’ve gone pro,” the grieving coroner said, adding that Kelly played the sport every day and worked at the Dodge County golf club, 13WMAZ reported.
“Never met a stranger, talked to everybody. A great kid.”
Kelly was a star golfer at Dodge County High School, his family said. facebook/dodgecountyhighschoolindiansKelly, who was set to compete in an upcoming state golf tournament, was widely regarded as his high school’s most talented athlete — landing two top 10 placements in his 2025 tournaments, according to the Georgia State Golf Association.
His tragic death has left classmates, his school and the golf team he captained in shock.
“Hadden LOVED golf and the Golf Team surely loves Hadden,” his team posted on Facebook Tuesday, remembering the elite athlete for his leadership, ambition and positivity.
His cause of death is still pending. facebook/dodgecountyhighschoolindians“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.”
His coach and teammates said that while Kelly often finished competitions ahead of everyone else, he always stayed behind to cheer on and support them to ensure their success.
Dodge County High School officials also offered their condolences to the teen’s devastated family.
His golf team remembered Kelly for his encouragement, ambitious spirit and support. facebook/dodgecountyhighschoolindians“There are no words to express the sadness that our DCHS family feels for the loss of junior Hadden Kelly,” the school said in a Facebook post Monday afternoon.
“Please join us in prayer for his family, friends, and our DCHS family. ‘Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.'”
