Elizabethtown baseball star Hayden Willett dies days after committing to Asbury College

Hayden Willett, a standout baseball player from Elizabethtown High School in Kentucky, has unexpectedly passed away. 

The 18-year-old, who had recently signed to continue his education and baseball career at Asbury College, was reported dead on Wednesday, December 18. 

Willett, a senior at Elizabethtown High School, had signed with Asbury College on Friday, December 13. 

Sports journalist Nate Bryan shared the tragic news on his X (formerly Twitter) account. A photo of the signing ceremony, showing Willett alongside family members Scott, Kristin, and Carter Willett, was shared by the Etown Independent School District.

The sudden loss of the beloved athlete shocked the community, with many expressing their condolences online. Willett was widely recognized as one of Elizabethtown’s top baseball players.