Tyler Kopp, 12, Dies During Lacrosse Match
Tyler Kopp, 12, has died after being hit in the chest with a lacrosse ball.
He was a member of the Twelve Corners Middle School team in Brighton, New York, and was hit during a routine game. Reports state that Kopp was wearing regulation equipment when hit; the impact was so great it caused his heart to stop. An off-duty firefighter performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
He was taken to a local hospital but never regained consciousness. Friends remember Kopp as "the best player on the team" and "the most modest player on the team. He has no attitude. He wasn't above it all. He was just a down-to-earth kid. I've seen kids who are the stars on the team and they're the most arrogant, self-centered kids there are. He was just the total opposite," Phillip McDonald told the Democrat and Chronicle.
"Tyler was a bright, athletic, engaging student who was always surrounded by friends. Mirroring his spirit in the classroom and on the playing field, Tyler courageously fought hard to recover from this tragic accident. The Brighton family is mourning this tragic and sudden loss of a wonderful young man and member of our school community," wrote Superintendent Kevin McGowan in letter to parents.
The community is coming together to pay tribute to Kopp's memory. Superintendent McGowan is leading the organization of a "Celebration of Life" event on Monday. Grief counselors are available to students during this period of grief. "Tyler will always be in everyone's heart. I know for a fact he'll be in mine," classmate Miranda told reporters.
According to ABC News, "23 lacrosse players in the United States have had the sport trigger sudden death or cardiac arrest since 1980. Four have survived the experience; the other 19 died." As with any sport, there are risks, but lacrosse players are especially vulnerable to cardiac problems resulting from blunt impact. Players can wear special heart protectors or shoulder pads made with heart protectors.
Visitation for Tyler is tonight, with a memorial service tomorrow.
