Boy, 12, dies after hit by lacrosse ball

A 12-year-old boy has died in upstate New York after being hit in the chest with a lacrosse ball.

TRAGIC SPORTS DEATHS

Remembering the many athletes sports lost way too soon.

Tyler Kopp, of Brighton, died Tuesday at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Authorities said the boy was playing at the sports and recreational facility Total Sports Experience in Gates on Feb. 2 when he was hit by the hard rubber ball, causing his heart to stop.

Kopp was wearing all of the required safety equipment at the time of the accident. Authorities said it occurred on a routine play and there was no ill intent involved.

An off-duty Rochester firefighter performed CPR until an ambulance crew arrived.

Tyler was a seventh-grader at Twelve Corners Middle School in Brighton.

"Tyler was a bright, athletic, engaging student who was always surrounded by friends," District Superintendent Kevin McGowan said in a letter to parents of the school.

"Mirroring his spirit in the classroom and on the playing field, Tyler courageously fought hard to recover from this tragic accident. The Brighton family is mourning this tragic and sudden loss of a wonderful young man and member of our school community. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with the Kopp family."

The school posted information about a viewing to be held Thursday and a memorial service on Friday. The school canceled a 7th grade activity night that was scheduled for Friday.