The community of Dauphin County in Pennsylvania is mourning the unexpected loss of 10-year-old Bryson Funk, who passed away on June 12, 2025, mere hours after leading his team, the Linglestown Colts, to a championship victory. On the evening of June 11, Bryson pitched the concluding innings of the game, clinching the win with a final strikeout. However, what commenced as a celebration turned into a tragedy when Bryson collapsed the next morning and was rushed to the hospital, where he ultimately succumbed. His family confirmed that the cause of death was myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart.
The announcement of Bryson’s death left his teammates, friends, and family in shock. His close friend and fellow player, nine-year-old Elias Vilfort, paid tribute to him by marking his number, “3,” around the infield of Koons Park. Elias reminisced about Bryson’s enthusiastic playing style, describing him as someone who would slide in the mud or perform flips just to make a play. Their friendship extended beyond the baseball field—they shared meals, collected trading cards, and enjoyed rides at theme parks together. This All-Star season was set to be the first time they played on the same team, a dream that will now remain unfulfilled.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated by relative Nicki Brantner to assist with funeral expenses. Brantner characterized Bryson as a “vibrant, active guy,” stressing that no one could have anticipated such a devastating turn of events. Within a few days, over $45,000 was raised from more than 700 contributors. The fundraiser encouraged those who were unable to donate to support the family through prayers and by sharing the campaign. This overwhelming display of support highlighted the significant impact Bryson’s life had on those around him.
Tributes poured into social media as the news circulated. Elias’s mother, Amanda Vilfort, revealed that her son had lost his closest friend and urged for donations to assist the Funk family. Bryson’s cousin, Armond Carter, shared touching memories, including the moment he taught Bryson how to give a dap and remarked on how much Bryson resembled him. A newly created Facebook group, the “Bryson Funk Memorial Wall,” emerged as a platform for community memories. One post by Dean Behrendt reminisced about joyful times spent playing catch with Bryson and observing him climb over his Jeep, describing him as “such a wonderful kid.”
The tragedy also attracted attention from the Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest in young people. By sharing Bryson’s story, they emphasized that 1 in 300 children could be at risk, advocating for enhanced protection for young athletes. As the community grieves, it cherishes memories of Bryson’s vibrant spirit, his passion for baseball, and the significant relationships he built during his brief life. His death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact even a young child can have on a community.
