Kyle Fundytus, Edmonton High School Student, Dies From Hockey Puck Hitting Neck (VIDEO)

A Canadian high school hockey player died Sunday after a hockey puck struck him in the neck, Canada's CBC reported.

Kyle Fundytus, 16, was attempting to block a shot during a midget double-A game Saturday afternoon at an arena in Edmonton, Alberta when the puck hit.

Coach Nathan Papirny was the first to reach the student.

"As soon as I got to him, I gave the signal to call an ambulance," Papirny told CBC. According to the report, the coach described the incident that killed Fundytus a "once in a 10 million" event.

Fundytus was taken to hospital at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, the Edmonton Journal reported, but died the next day.

"The unexpected and tragic circumstances of his death have us all remembering how precious life is," principal Cathy Nissen said in a statement, according to the Journal.

A memorial wall was set up at South Edmonton Catholic High School, featuring a photo of the fallen hockey player, a white cross and dozens of handwritten messages from classmates, the Vancouver Sun reports.

"You were a great person with such a big heart. I’ve known you since kindergarten and you never changed," read one note, according to the paper.

"I'm crying bro. I want you back here," another note said, according to CBC News "I can't even think about my bro not being here."

In a statement issued through their hockey club, Kyle's family honored their son's memory.

"Kyle's zest for life and his passion for hockey will be a memory the family will carry for the rest of their lives."

Comments

[tebowfan4life]

12:01 AM on 11/18/2011

That is SO sad!!!! :'( It just seems so unreal! My condolences to the family and friends!! May he rest in peace!!

[SDH283]

11:52 AM on 11/17/2011

So sorry to read this story; let's remember to cherish our children every day, in every way.

Sincere condolences to Kyle's family and friends -- can't begin to imagine your pain.

[caltek79]

08:42 AM on 11/17/2011

Condolences to the Fundytus family - such a tragic loss of a young man. Hopefully the critics don't overreact on this one as it was simply a fluke accident.

[Joshua Kaanaana]

01:42 PM on 11/16/2011

Suuucks :(

[ontheman]

06:46 AM on 11/16/2011

My child died in my arms after months of exhaustive cancer treatments and then home hospice. He was nine months old. I urge anyone chiming in on this board to be mindful of the parents and not think about yourself when you say all the things you'll say without properly thinking them through, like "he's in a better place" (there is no better place than with family) or that "it's part of God's plan" (I can fairly be certain God did not want him to die by hockey puck, think about it for two seconds). We love to rush to cliches out of our own petty fear, when all we really need say is: "I am so so sorry your child has died. It sucks." This is what his family needs to hear.

[JimsObie]

06:05 AM on 11/16/2011

This is proof that we all have a time to go and for this poor family their wonderful son's time was up. He may have brought as much to this world as he was going to bring. It sounds like Kyle was a joy to all who came in contact with him. May his soul rest in peace and may the family and friends of this child come to learn that life is so precious that each and every moment is one to be cherished. My heart and prayers go out to them all.

[ontheman]

06:48 AM on 11/16/2011

This is in no way proof that we all have a time to go. Who made you score keeper? So condescending---grow up a bit and just express grief like a human and not a cliche.

[JimsObie]

07:17 AM on 11/16/2011

Well, "ontheman" I look at it this way. We are born, we live a while, and we die. That is the fact of life. Can't get away from it. Some die young, some die very old. No one knows how or when their time comes up. And I expressed my grief as best I could today. You have your reason for life and death and I have mine. I express my sympathy to the family. I believe "My heart and prayers go out to them all" express my sympathy very well. I'm thinking you may be the one who needs to mature a little because of your attitude. If not, why would you take what I said as condescending? If I had been talking directly to the family my remarks might have been different. But since this is an opinion poll where we can discuss our thoughts in an adult manner with others I chose these words

[myste]

01:49 AM on 11/16/2011

God Bless his family and friends, and give them eventual peace. The Lord is close to thoses whoes hearts are breaking.

[jcd8822]

01:24 AM on 11/16/2011

Really sad news. My condolences to his family, his classmates and all of my friends up in Edmonton.

[Jay Gress]

12:43 AM on 11/16/2011

playing hockey is the only way to go. be w/ god...bless your family.

[nohopepope2187]

12:49 AM on 11/16/2011

Cheers.

[SuperDaveOsborn]

12:30 AM on 11/16/2011

"A Time For Everything And Everyone Under The Sun" ..... hence why every waking moment is as precious as that blissful sleep.

You are here for me, and I for you - so let us look for beauty & good, and quickly overlook anything that turns out to be less than that; for we all return ffrom whence we came from, and this quite alone !

[shifterkartdrvr]

12:14 AM on 11/16/2011

Very sad.

[carbinos]

12:03 AM on 11/16/2011

Hockey Pucks don't kill people do.

[caltek79]

08:44 AM on 11/17/2011

So instead of maybe posting your condolences (or nothing at all) you take the moment to try to be funny when a family lost their son - real cool.

[been2there]

11:44 PM on 11/15/2011

Life is noy risk-free. At least he died doing something he loved.

[nomandoethgood]

12:45 AM on 11/16/2011

Gasping for air and praying for his life? I'm sure he loved that.

[ontheman]

06:41 AM on 11/16/2011

Are you trying to be cheery over this? Better question: why? Why do so many people rush to cliches when facing death? You think his family wants to read what you've written? Think!

[Doucheku]

11:22 PM on 11/15/2011

What the puck !!!!! ???!?!?? My heart goes out to his friends and family.

[Adam Dray]

10:46 PM on 11/15/2011

Man that had to have been some hit......what a crazy day that had to have been, enjoying the game and then that.....RIP