Hadden Kelly: High school student suddenly collapses and dies during homecoming prank in Georgia

Kimberley Braddish

The Nightly

1 Min Read

1 hour ago

Updated

1 hour ago

A top junior golfer has died unexpectedly while doing a typical end of school prank with friends, shocking his school and community. Credit: Dodge County High School/Facebook

Hadden Kelly, a promising 17-year-old golf talent from Dodge County, Georgia, has tragically died after collapsing during a homecoming prank on Monday morning.

The junior was participating in a traditional “TPing” prank, throwing toilet paper over trees and houses, with friends when he suddenly became unresponsive.

A friend found Kelly around 9am and he was rushed to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

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Kelly, a standout athlete, was preparing to compete in an upcoming state golf tournament and was considered one of the most talented students at Dodge County High School.

A friend found Kelly around 9.00am and he was rushed to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Credit: A friend found Kelly around 9.00am and he was rushed to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith, Kelly’s great-uncle, said the cause of death is unknown pending autopsy results.

His golf team honoured him in a heartfelt social media tribute, highlighting his leadership and team spirit:

“He was our top performing golfer and always finished his rounds early, but stayed to support his teammates,” the team wrote. “It wasn’t about him, it was about the team. What a witness to his character!”

The junior was participating in a traditional “TPing” prank, throwing toilet paper over trees and houses Credit: The junior was participating in a traditional “TPing” prank, throwing toilet paper over trees and houses

Coroner Smith added, “He was a jam-up golfer. If he didn’t pass, I swear he would’ve gone pro.”

Mr Kelly worked daily at the Dodge County Golf Club and placed in the top ten at two tournaments this year, including fifth at the Regional Qualifier at Spring Hill.

The sudden death has shocked the local community, with classmates, coaches, and teachers expressing deep sadness and planning vigils in his memory.

Dodge County High School posted a message sharing their grief:

“There are no words to express the sadness that our DCHS family feels for the loss of junior Hadden Kelly. Please join us in prayer for his family, friends, and our DCHS family. ‘Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.’”

Kelly’s tragic passing during what should have been a joyful school celebration has left an irreplaceable void in his community, who remember him for his dedication on and off the golf course.