Boy hit in chest with ball, dies, on 16th birthday

SAN DIEGO--A student at Ramona High School in northeast San Diego County died Wednesday hours after being hit in the chest with a ball, officials said.

The 16-year-old sophomore was playing over-the-line, a softball-like sport, during a PE class when he was struck by a line drive. He later collapsed and was taken to a local hospital, where he was declared dead.

His name has not been released.

Principal Tony Newman said the ball being used is even softer than a normal softball.

He said counselors will be on the campus Thursday to help students cope with the trauma of losing a classmate.

“He was very well-liked,” Newman said. “This is going to have a big impact on our school and the community. He was just a great kid.”

The boy died on his 16th birthday.

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tony.perry@latimes.com