A 17-year-old golf prodigy from Georgia, known for his leadership and supportive nature, tragically passed away after collapsing during a homecoming prank with friends. Hadden Kelly, a junior at Dodge County High School in Eastman, was found unresponsive in a yard where he and his friends were participating in a prank known as TPing, which involves throwing toilet paper over houses, trees, and bushes. His great-uncle, Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith, confirmed the unfortunate incident to 41 NBC.
The cause of Kelly’s sudden collapse remains unknown, and the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death are still pending. Smith, who is also the star athlete’s great-uncle, described Kelly as a charismatic, outspoken, and talented golfer with a promising future in the professional leagues.
Kelly was a dedicated golfer who played the sport daily and worked at the Dodge County golf club. “If he hadn’t passed, I’m certain he would’ve gone pro,” Smith said, expressing his grief. He added, “He never met a stranger, talked to everybody. A great kid.”
Kelly was preparing to compete in an upcoming state golf tournament and was considered one of the most talented athletes at his high school. He had achieved two top 10 placements in his 2025 tournaments, according to the Georgia State Golf Association. His untimely death has left his classmates, school, and the golf team he captained in a state of shock.
His golf team remembered him fondly on Facebook, praising his leadership, ambition, and positivity. “Hadden was our team leader, always encouraging and forever speaking positive words to all around him,” the post read. His coach and teammates recalled how Kelly, despite often finishing competitions ahead of everyone else, would always stay behind to cheer on and support them.
Dodge County High School officials also expressed their condolences to Kelly’s family. “There are no words to express the sadness that our DCHS family feels for the loss of junior Hadden Kelly,” the school said in a Facebook post. “Please join us in prayer for his family, friends, and our DCHS family. ‘Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.’”