A 17-year-old golf prodigy from Dodge County High School in Eastman, Georgia, died suddenly on Monday, September 15, 2025, after collapsing during a homecoming prank with friends. Hadden Kelly was found unresponsive in a residential yard while participating in a “TPing” activity, where students throw toilet paper rolls over houses and trees.
Dodge County Coroner Joe Smith, who is Kelly’s great-uncle, confirmed the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene Monday morning around 9 a.m. Smith indicated that Kelly was participating in homecoming activities at a residence with a friend when he suddenly collapsed in the yard and became unresponsive.
The cause of Kelly’s death remains unknown, and his body has been sent to Atlanta for an autopsy to determine what led to his collapse. Smith described his great-nephew as charismatic and outgoing, noting that Kelly never met a stranger and talked to everyone around him.
Kelly was regarded as Dodge County High School’s most talented athlete and served as the golf team’s leader. According to the Georgia State Golf Association, he had achieved two top-10 placements in tournaments during 2025, including a fifth-place finish at the Regional Qualifier at Spring Hill. Kelly was scheduled to compete in the upcoming state golf tournament.
The teenager worked daily at the Dodge County Golf Club and played the sport every day. Smith expressed his belief that Kelly had professional potential, stating that if his great-nephew had not passed away, he would have pursued a professional golf career due to his exceptional skill level.
Golf coach Paula Selph and the team shared a tribute on the school’s Facebook page, remembering Kelly as their team leader who consistently encouraged teammates and spoke positively to everyone around him. The coach noted that Kelly desperately wanted to participate in the state tournament and hoped for continued team improvement.
Despite being the top-performing golfer who typically finished competitions before his teammates, Kelly always remained at matches until every team member completed their rounds. Selph emphasized that Kelly could have left early since he usually finished first against the competition, but he chose to stay and support his team because he wanted the entire team to succeed.
The coach described Kelly’s behavior as a testament to his character, noting his selflessness and dedication to his teammates’ success rather than focusing solely on his individual achievements. The golf team expressed their love for Kelly and his family, extending thoughts and prayers to those grieving his loss.
Dodge County High School officials released their own statement expressing the profound sadness felt by the school community. The school requested prayers for Kelly’s family, friends, and the entire school family, concluding with the sentiment: “Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”
The sudden death has shocked the local community, with classmates, coaches, and teachers planning vigils in Kelly’s memory. Kelly was described as someone who always put others above himself and maintained a true passion for golf throughout his young life.
The investigation into Kelly’s collapse continues as the community awaits autopsy results. The teenager’s death occurred during what should have been a celebratory homecoming week, leaving an irreplaceable void in both the school and local golf communities who knew him for his dedication both on and off the golf course.
