A 10-year-old boy has tragically died just one day after winning a baseball championship.
Bryson Funk, from Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was a talented pitcher for the Linglestown Colts baseball team and a member of the 717 Athletics cheer group. He was known for his ‘energy and passion.’
On June 11, the 10-year-old struck out the final batter in a dramatic finish that secured the title for his baseball team.
A photograph captured shows Funk beaming after his success on the pitch; heartbreakingly, this would become the last photograph taken of him.
The next day, he was rushed to Penn State Hershey Medical Center and could not be revived.
The young boy’s death has sent shock waves through the Pennsylvania community.
Elias Vilfort, Funk’s 9-year-old teammate, told CBS affiliate WHP: “He would literally, like, do like a backflip to make a play or, like, slide in the muddy dirt, for like, act like it’s nothing. That’s what kind of player he kinda was.”
Vilfort also recounted the day his friend died: “The next morning, my mom got a call saying that he was in the hospital,” Vilfort said. “I’m just still shocked that this happened, and I never even thought of this happening.”
Nicki Brantner, a cousin of Funk’s mom, set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Funk’s family following his sudden passing.
Branter writes in the description: “It is with shattered hearts that we share the unexpected and devastating passing of Bryson Funk, only 10 yrs old. Bryson is the son of my cousin Amy and her husband Todd. Bryson passed away yesterday (6/12/25).
“His parents are now facing what no parent should ever endure. I am asking for support for them. We are raising funds to help cover the cost of Bryson’s funeral and memorial services.
“All donations will go directly to the family to cover funeral and burial expenses, memorial services, as well as any additional support that they may need as they begin to navigate life without their beautiful boy.”
717 Athletics posted a touching tribute to him on social media, saying: “We are devastated to share the unexpected and tragic passing of Bryson Funk.
“His time with us was far too short, but the love he gave and the memories he created will forever live on in our hearts.”
Funk was born with congenital heart conditions, including coarctation of the aorta and a bicuspid aortic valve.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Coarctation of the aorta is the narrowing of a part of the body’s main artery, called the aorta. The condition forces the heart to work harder to pump blood.
A bicuspid aortic valve is a heart valve abnormality where the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the usual three, as per the Mayo Clinic.
Funk’s cause of death is confirmed to be a result of a cardiac arrest caused by myocarditis.
Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, known as the myocardium.
Viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or other underlying factors, such as certain medications or toxins, can trigger the condition.
Despite being born with heart problems, doctors don’t believe his death is linked to his pre-existing conditions.
The Peyton Walker Foundation, which advocates for youth heart health in Central Pennsylvania, also paid tribute to the young boy: “We are heartbroken at the Peyton Walker Foundation to learn of the tragic loss of Bryson Funk.
“A young athlete in our community,” the foundation wrote. “Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and all who are grieving. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
