Teen Hit By Softball Dies on 16th Birthday; Joked About It Before Collapsing

A California high school student died Wednesday after he was hit in the chest with a softball during gym class. It was his 16th birthday.

Sophomore Taylor Dorman was struck with a softball around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday during gym class at Ramona High School near San Diego. Dorman was reportedly still awake and talking after he was struck, and even joked with the student who had hit the ball, according to friends and faculty members at the school.

But about 20 minutes later, he developed shortness of breath and became unresponsive as he collapsed on the school field with seizure-like symptoms, the county's medical examiner's office told NBC San Diego.

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Dorman was airlifted to a hospital where he later died.

"He was a fine young man, very well-liked by students on our campus," Ramona High School Principal Tony Newton told NBC San Diego. "It was very tragic and our hearts go out to the family and his friends and his classmates. Our thoughts and our hearts will be with them."

Students gathered at the school Wednesday night to mourn the loss of Dorman. Some brought birthday balloons and flowers, while others made posters.

"We felt it was right to celebrate his birthday the way he would want to. And I just wish he could be here for it," student Alex Flynn told NBC San Diego.

"I gave him a hug this morning. I was walking to class and saw him and said 'Hey Happy Birthday,'" Kaylene Stehlik said.

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Newman said the school is reviewing its physical education curriculum in light of the tragic accident.

"We will definitely review the sport and how that game is, the elements of that and discuss the safety. The safety of our students is our number one priority," Newman told NBC San Diego.

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