Georgia high school mourns 17-year-old golf team leader who died suddenly

A 17-year-old student at Dodge County High School collapsed Monday afternoon in a yard during homecoming activities and died, authorities said.

Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith confirmed the death and said an autopsy would determine the cause. Smith told WGXA News that Hadden Kelly, his great-nephew, was participating in homecoming activities at a residence with a friend when he collapsed in the yard. Kelly was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner said the body was sent for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Kelly was a 17-year-old from Dodge County High School who played on the golf team and worked at the Dodge County Golf Club. The high school said Kelly was an avid golfer and described him as the team’s leader. Dodge County High School and the golf program mourned his loss, with administrators and teammates offering prayers and support to his family.

"Hadden was an outgoing kid, and he never met a stranger," Smith told WGXA News. He added that Kelly was so devoted to golf that he often spoke about the sport and imagined he could pursue it at a higher level if given the chance. Kelly was described by friends and coaches as someone who lived for the game and who consistently pushed himself to improve.

The Dodge County High School golf coach, Paula Selph, and the team posted a message on the school's Facebook page in the hours after the news broke. In the post, the team celebrated Kelly’s character and dedication, saying he was a role model who encouraged his teammates and stayed late to support them. The message conveyed condolences to Kelly’s family and invited the school community to join in prayer for those affected.

"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," the school wrote on social media. The post reflected the broader sense of shock in the Dodge County community as students, teachers, and families processed the sudden loss of a young athlete who had been central to the school’s golf program.

Kelly’s death comes as officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse. Coroner Smith said there was no indication at this time of foul play, but he emphasized that only the autopsy could determine the medical explanation for the tragedy. The autopsy results were expected to illuminate whether there was an underlying medical condition or a different factor involved.

Friends and classmates recalled Kelly as someone who lived for golf, a student who took pride in balancing academics, sports, and work at the golf club. He reportedly competed regularly and finished near the top of most tournaments, and he often stayed after practice to help teammates with their swings and short games. His dedication to the team and his willingness to mentor younger players were repeatedly highlighted by those who knew him.

As the community mourns, Dodge County High School and its athletic programs have reiterated their commitment to supporting students and staff affected by Kelly’s passing. School leaders have encouraged any students who are struggling to seek counseling and peer support, recognizing the emotional impact that the loss of a peer can bring to a tightly knit school community.

Ultimately, the case remains in the hands of medical examiners as investigators await autopsy findings. In the interim, friends, teammates, and family members are honoring Kelly’s memory by sharing stories of his generosity, his competitive spirit, and the optimism he carried onto the golf course every day. The Dodge County community is likely to remember him not only for his skill on the links but for the way he touched the lives of those around him.