High school lacrosse player dies after being hit with ball during college recruiting event

MERCER ISLAND, Wash. (KING) - A Washington state community is grieving the loss of a high school lacrosse player who was hit in the head with a ball during a college lacrosse recruiting event.

Eliot Abramson, a Mercer Island High School lacrosse player, died in the hospital Sunday. During a college lacrosse recruiting event six days earlier, the sophomore was hit in the back of the head, below his helmet, by a ball and lost consciousness, according to the Mercer Island School District.

“Eliot was an extraordinary teammate, friend [and] youth coach,” said the Mercer Island Lacrosse Club in a statement. “He brought joy and laughter to those around him and represented the very best of our community. There are no words for this loss.”

Abramson had recently gotten his driver’s license and chose to become an organ donor.

“Even in the midst of profound grief, we are touched that Eliot’s final act brings life to others. A beautiful and powerful legacy,” the lacrosse club said. “May Eliot’s memory be a blessing.”

A growing memorial for Abramson at Mercer Island High is filled with messages from friends, teammates and the community.

“All the students are taking it really hard,” student Ellery Dow said. “Really close friends of mine are crying in the hallways, and I’m trying to support them as much as I possibly can. But how do you really support someone going through this at such a young age? It’s just truly awful.”

Abramson’s family says they’re taking comfort in their belief the sophomore will reunite with his father in heaven and continue cheering on his friends and teammates.