High school golf standout dies after collapsing during homecoming prank

A 17-year-old high school golf standout collapsed and died Monday morning while taking part in a homecoming prank, Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith said.

Hadden Kelly, a junior at Dodge County High School and the school's top golfer, collapsed around 9 a.m. while ‘‘TPing’’ a home — tossing toilet paper into trees and yards with friends, Smith told local media. A friend found him unresponsive and he was taken to Dodge County Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead in the emergency room.

Smith, who is Kelly’s great-uncle, said the cause of death is unclear and officials are awaiting the results of an autopsy. The coroner described Kelly as "a jam-up golfer" and said, "If he didn't pass, I swear he would've gone pro."

Kelly had recently competed in state tournaments and finished in the top 10 in two events this year, according to the Georgia State Golf Association. He placed fifth at the Regional Qualifier at Spring Hill on June 30–July 1 and tied for sixth at the Western Georgia Junior Classic on July 28–29 at Green Island Country Club.

Dodge County High School and teammates posted messages of condolence on social media, recalling Kelly’s competitiveness and support for teammates. The team’s memorial statement said he was the "top performing golfer" and had an "infectious goal-driven mindset," noting that he often stayed after competitions to support teammates even when he finished early. "It wasn't about him. He stayed to support his team," the post read.

School officials and neighboring districts extended sympathies to Kelly’s family and the local community. Teammates, coaches and neighbors described him as outspoken, outgoing and friendly.

Local law enforcement and the coroner’s office have said they will provide updates when autopsy results are complete. No further details about any potential medical history or contributing factors were released Monday.

Kelly’s death prompted an outpouring of grief in the school and surrounding area, where he was regarded as one of the county’s most talented young athletes. Memorial arrangements had not been announced as of Monday afternoon.

The incident adds to a small number of sudden deaths of adolescent athletes that have drawn attention to the need for timely investigations and clear public information, but officials cautioned against drawing conclusions before forensic and medical examinations are finished. The coroner reiterated that the official cause and manner of death will be determined after the autopsy and any additional testing are completed.