Wooster High student-athlete Maddox Graser passes away

The Wooster community is mourning after an unimaginable tragedy.

Wooster high school sophomore Maddox Graser, a standout for the varsity baseball and wrestling teams, passed away on April 24. He was also an avid dirt bike rider.

Graser, who celebrated his 17th birthday on March 28, was one of the Generals’ top performers in a 10-0 win over West Holmes at Wooster’s Legacy on April 21.

However, later that night Graser suffered what the school termed “a severe medical emergency.” He was rushed to Wooster Hospital and later life-flighted to Akron Children’s Hospital, where he would eventually pass away.

Wooster High School Principal Margaret Davis released the following statement on April 25: “It gives me great sorrow to inform you that Maddox Graser, a sophomore student at Wooster High School, passed away after experiencing a severe medical emergency earlier this week. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his family, friends, classmates, and all who knew him.

"Maddox was an outstanding student, athlete, and friend, and he will be missed in our building. We know there are often no words that can console or relieve us from our grief, and over the coming days and weeks, we expect students may experience a number of emotions. It is our priority to support them through it."

Wooster baseball coach Steve Young posted on his Facebook page: “Maddo … we still can’t believe you’re gone. You were more than a teammate — you were FAMILY! The energy you brought every day, the way your smile lifted everyone around you … We’ll carry you with us every day & we’ll make sure THEY REMEMBER YOUR NAME! Rest easy brother.”

Reached by phone on Sunday morning, Young offered a couple of brief comments. He said the Graser family requested privacy as they were still making funeral arrangements.

“The time will come to talk about Maddox and we will be doing a lot of things to honor him, but it would be too hard to talk right now,” Young said. “I don’t know if I could get through it. We’re taking this hour by hour, even minute by minute.”

Wooster High School administrators, teachers and the baseball coaching staff have done a phenomenal job communicating with students and their parents.

Counselors and resources have been made available for any student who wants to talk. Young told his players that they can call him any time, day or night.

The Wooster baseball team has gotten together each day since Graser became ill to pray for their “brother” and support one another. The team has suspended its season indefinitely.

“I haven’t even thought about when we’ll play again at this point,” Young said.

Young said the school greatly appreciates the many messages of support and condolences, which have come from Wooster, as well as other communities near and far.

Anyone wishing to send cards or other memorial items can mail them or drop off: Wooster High School, attn: Maddox Graser Memorial, 515 Oldman Rd, Wooster, OH 44691.

For information on grief support, students, parents or community members can get links from Wooster High School by calling 330-345-4000. One of the links Davis mentioned is from the National Alliance for Children’s Grief: nacg.org

A GoFundMe page has been created for the Graser family at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-maddox-graser-and-his-family?lang=en_US&ts=1776970912

As of Sunday afternoon, the page has raised $70,630 of its $80,000 goal.

Angela Hall, who created the GoFundMe page that was approved by the Graser family, started the post while Maddox was fighting for his life with this comment: “Maddox Graser is a sophomore at Wooster High School, a dedicated baseball player, and a teammate and friend to so many. He’s the kind of kid who shows up, works hard, and loves the game—and the people around him. Just days ago, Maddox was on the field doing what he loves most. He played in a game, celebrated a big win, and everything seemed completely normal. No one could have imagined how quickly everything would change.”

This story will be updated with calling hours and funeral arrangements when available.