It was supposed to be no usual week for the Dodge County High School in Georgia. Homecoming meant flags waved high, but also that trailers and floaters adorned all things beach. Before the football team took on the East Laurens for the Friday night game, “A Night Under the Sea,” looked ready to take over the County. But where confetti awaited to fill the air, students and faculty at the high school were left to mourn one of Eastman’s best.
Homecoming celebrations had kicked off on time at Dodge County this week. Students were out pulling the traditional “TPing” prank– tossing toilet paper rolls over houses and trees — come Monday. But all of it came to a halt when Hadden Kelly, a 17-year-old golf team captain at his high school, was found unresponsive. A friend found him in the yard of one of the homes he was at TPing, around 9 am. Subsequently, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith, who also happens to be Kelly’s great uncle, confirmed the news. “Hadden was an outgoing kid, and he never met a stranger,” Smith told local media.
In a state that is home to 2x National Champions, 29x SEC Champions, and Russell Henley and Harris English, among others, Kelly was poised to join the best of ranks. “If he didn’t pass, I swear he would’ve gone pro,” Coroner admitted.
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High school golf prodigy, 17, mysteriously dies after collapsing during homecoming prank: ‘A great kid’ https://trib.al/H1iGGDB
Just this year, he secured two top-10 finishes, including 5th at the Regional Qualifier at Spring Hill, and a tie for 6th at the Western Georgia Junior Classic. His golf coach, Paula Selph, remembered him as a natural leader, who stayed back to cheer on for his teammates despite finishing early. “Hadden LOVED golf and the Golf Team surely loves Hadden,” the team wrote on Facebook. Additionally, they described him as someone who “was our team leader, always encouraging and forever speaking positive words to all around him.”
As a junior in high school, Kelly is said to have practiced every day. He worked at the Dodge County Golf Club and was aiming for the State Championship next. One of the coaches even revealed that the young golfer was ready for the next stage. But the Dodge County community now faces the challenge of processing this unexpected loss during homecoming week.
Fan reactions pour in as golf community mourns Hadden Kelly
Social media erupted with heartfelt tributes following the news. Fans expressed overwhelming sympathy for Kelly’s family. “Very sad, prayers to his family and friends,” one person commented on news posts. Another wrote, “A prayer of comfort to his grieving family and loved ones. May the Lord carry them through their loss.”
Hadden Kelly seemed to have had a promising future ahead of him. After multiple appearances at the Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA) Junior tour since 2020, the 17-year-old was eyeing college recruitment, too. Knowing the dreams would never transpire, the emotional responses continued across platforms. “So sad,” many simply stated. Others shared longer messages of support. “That’s so tragic. My heart goes out to his family,” became a common sentiment. Meanwhile, additional fans posted, “Just terrible!” with prayer emojis showing their grief.
These reactions demonstrated the widespread impact of Kelly’s death beyond his immediate community.
Kelly’s legacy extends beyond golf scores. His teammates remember his selflessness and encouragement. The community remembers his smile and positive attitude. The golf world has lost a promising young talent with unlimited potential.
