A 17-year-old high school golf star from Dodge County, Georgia, died suddenly after collapsing during a homecoming prank on Monday, September 15, 2025. Hadden Kelly, a junior at Dodge County High School in Eastman, was found unresponsive in a residential yard while participating in a “TPing” activity with friends.
Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith, who is Kelly’s great-uncle, confirmed the teenager was engaging in homecoming activities when he suddenly collapsed. Smith told local media that Kelly was at a residence with a friend when he fell to the ground and became unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The TPing prank involved throwing rolls of toilet paper over houses, trees, and bushes, a common homecoming tradition among high school students. Smith indicated that “it remains unclear why Kelly passed out,” and the teenager’s body has been sent for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Kelly was widely regarded as his school’s most talented athlete and served as the golf team’s leader. According to the Georgia State Golf Association, he achieved two top-10 finishes in tournaments this year and was preparing to compete in the upcoming state golf tournament.
His golf coach, Paula Selph, remembered Kelly as an exceptional team player who always encouraged his teammates. She noted that he was the team’s top-performing golfer who typically finished competitions before his teammates but always stayed to support them. The coach emphasized that Kelly wanted the team to succeed and demonstrated remarkable selflessness in his leadership approach.
Kelly worked daily at the Dodge County Golf Club and played the sport every day. Smith described his great-nephew as charismatic and outgoing, noting that he never met a stranger and talked to everyone. The coroner believed Kelly had the potential to become a professional golfer, stating that if the teenager had not died, he would have likely pursued a professional career in the sport.
The golf team shared their grief in a Facebook post, expressing how much Kelly loved the sport and how much the team loved him in return. They highlighted his role as team leader and his constant encouragement of fellow players. The team noted that Kelly desperately wanted to participate in the state tournament and hoped for the team’s continued improvement.
School officials described Kelly as someone who always finished competitions ahead of most teammates but chose to stay until every team member completed their rounds. This behavior exemplified his character and commitment to supporting others rather than focusing solely on his individual success.
Dodge County High School released an official statement expressing the profound sadness felt by the school community. Officials requested prayers for Kelly’s family, friends, and the entire school family while acknowledging that there were no adequate words to express their grief over losing the junior student.
The deputy coroner confirmed that Kelly’s autopsy is scheduled to be conducted in Atlanta to determine the exact cause of death. The sudden nature of Kelly’s collapse has left the community searching for answers while mourning the loss of a promising young athlete.
Kelly’s death occurred during what should have been a joyful homecoming week celebration, transforming a traditional school prank into a tragedy that has deeply affected his teammates, coaches, and the broader Dodge County community. The teenager was remembered not only for his golf skills but also for his positive attitude and dedication to helping others succeed.
The Georgia golf community has lost a rising talent who demonstrated both athletic excellence and exemplary character. Kelly’s commitment to staying with teammates until they finished their rounds, despite his own superior performance, reflected the leadership qualities that made him a respected figure among his peers.
