Maddox Graser, a sophomore baseball player at Ohio’s Wooster High School, has died after suffering a sudden illness.
“He’s the kind of kid who shows up, works hard, and loves the game — and the people around him,” a GoFundMe organized in the late athlete’s honor reads. “Just days ago, Maddox was on the field doing what he loves most. He played in a game, celebrated a big win, and everything seemed completely normal. No one could have imagined how quickly everything would change.”
The page continued, “Later that evening, Maddox became suddenly and severely ill. What started as sickness at home quickly turned into something far more serious. He was rushed to the hospital in Wooster, and as his condition worsened, he was life-flighted to Akron Children’s Hospital.”
Graser was admitted to the pediatric ICU, where he ultimately died. No cause of death has been publicly announced at the time of publication.
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“His family went from watching him play baseball to sitting beside his hospital bed in a matter of hours,” the GoFundMe said. “There are no words for the kind of fear, heartbreak, and helplessness they are facing right now. No parent should ever have to go through something like this. No family is ever prepared for it.”
Wooster High School, where Graser was also a member of the wrestling team, announced the student-athlete’s death on Saturday, April 25.
“It gives me great sorrow to inform you that Maddox Graser, a sophomore student at Wooster High School, passed away after experiencing a severe medical emergency earlier this week,” the statement read. “Our deepest sympathy is extended to his family, friends, classmates, and all who knew him.”
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The post continued, “Maddox was an outstanding student, athlete, and friend, and he will be missed in our building. We know there are often no words that can console or relieve us from our grief, and over the coming days and weeks, we expect students may experience a number of emotions. It is our priority to support them through it.”
A Walk of Honor was held in remembrance of Graser at Akron Children’s Hospital on Monday, April 27.
“In this moment, we will get to witness a TRUE HERO leave his mark and what an incredible mark that is, please help us Honor Maddox for his Love, Life, Bravery, and Selflessness among the MANY other qualities that made him so special!” the GoFundMe said of the Walk of Honor. “Let’s give him that Home Run Standing Ovation that he deserves!”
At the time of this story’s publication, the GoFundMe had raised over $74,000.
