A high school golf star has tragically died at the age of 17 after collapsing while taking part in a homecoming prank with his friends,
Hadden Kelly, a junior at Dodge County High School in Eastman, Georgia, died on Monday after being found unresponsive in the yard of a home he and friends were TPing - which is a prank involving throwing rolls of toilet paper over houses and yards - during homecoming week, his great-uncle confirmed to 41 NBC.
Joe Smith, who is Kelly's great uncle as well as being Dodge County Coroner, said that the cause of the teen's collapse remains unknown as an investigation into his cause of death continues.
According to the New York Post, Smith described his great-nephew as charismatic and outspoken, and said that he would have been destined for the professional leagues in golf.
"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.
He added: "Never met a stranger, talked to everybody. A great kid."
Kelly had widely been regarded a the most talented athlete in his high school, and had been set to compete in an upcoming state golf tournament, after landing two top 10 placements in his 2025 tournaments, according to the Georgia State Golf Association.
His high school paid a touching tribute to the young golfer after his tragic death, writing: "Hadden LOVED golf and the Golf Team surely loves Hadden.
"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 and always finished earlier than most of his teammates. He ALWAYS stayed till each team member finished.
"He could have left as most of the time he finished first against the competition. It wasn't about him. He stayed to support his team. He wanted the team to succeed! What a witness to his character!"
Their statement added: "We love Hadden and we love his family! Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Let's take this example of selflessness into our own lives and little by little make the world a better place!"
Kelly's cause of death remains unknown pending an autopsy.