Teen baseball star dies following severe head injury

A 14-year-old South Delta Secondary student who 'lived and breathed' baseball is being remembered as one of the best in the province.

Kyle Losse died in hospital Tuesday afternoon, after suffering a serious head injury at home on Sunday evening, according to his mother Niki Losse. 

"We are absolutely in shock, we never thought this day would come because he had such a promising life ahead of him," she said.

Losse said the doctors are unsure how he died and they are now waiting for autopsy results.

The B.C. Coroner's Office is investigating. Delta Police said there is no evidence to suggest a criminal act.

The Delta School District has offered counselling support to students and teachers.

"Many students had heard last night via social media and personal connections," South Delta Secondary principal Terry Ainge wrote in a letter to parents.

"This is tragic news and we all share our sympathy and condolences with the Losse family at this very difficult time."

Among top players in B.C.

Losse played for the Delta Tigers, an AAA team whose head coach, Cam Frick, tweeted that the team had "lost an amazing young man and ballplayer."

Frick says Losse was one of the top players for his age in the province.

"He was an all-around athlete that probably could have decided to play any sport, but he was passionate about baseball," Frick said. "You could see it every time he showed up at the field."

An emotional Niki Losse said Kyle's proudest moment was when he was asked in October to join the Arizona Diamondbacks Canadian scout team.

The team selects 18 players from across Canada to play in a tournament that college and pro scouts attend.

"He hit over 60 home runs this year, his stats were like no other ... sun, rain or snow he would be in our back yard, hitting balls into the net. He just lived and breathed it," she said.

Losse's father Brian commented on a GoFundMe page that his son "was [a] young loving superior baseball fanatic! Yes unfortunately Kyle passed away today Jan 23rd 2018 at 14:22 hours! Which 14 was his baseball number and 22 another favourite."

​

Coach Frick said the team has a practice scheduled Wednesday evening, but the baseball portion of the practice has been cancelled.

"We are hoping to have a couple of grief counsellors out for any players who want to come and just sit down and have a talk."

​A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 28, at 12:00 p.m. PT on the peewee diamond at Winskill Park in Tsawwassen.

"I just want everyone to remember him for his infectious smile, his great big curly hair, his kindness, and his love for the game," said Niki Losse.