Birthday Teen Hit in Chest by Softball Dies

Taylor Dorman collapsed in the middle of a school field during physical education class

A California high school student who had just turned 16 years old on Wednesday died after being hit in the chest with a softball during a physical education class, officials confirmed.

The teen -- identified as Taylor Dorman by friends, fellow students and Ramona High School principal Tony Newman -- collapsed on a school field in Ramona after being struck by a ball Wednesday morning..

Newman confirmed that Wednesday was the 10th grader's birthday.

Dorman was airlifted to Palomar Hospital. Details on the teen’s condition at the time of his transport to the hospital were not immediately released.

The county medical examiner’s office will determine Dorman's official cause of death at a later time, as well as confirm whether or not possible contributing medical conditions played a role in his death.On Wednesday night some students gathered at Ramona High School to mourn the sudden loss of their classmate. Students signed a memorial poster for Dorman and placed flowers near the poster.

Last May, an 18-year-old student at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos died suddenly after collapsing in the school gym.

In that instance, senior football star Anthony Vaeao was playing basketball with friends when he fell to the ground. He was rushed to hospital and was pronounced dead a short time later.

In August 2012, a report released by the medical examiner’s office determined Vaeao's cause of death stemmed from a heart problem, with obesity listed as a contributing factor.

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