Teen Hit By Softball Dies: Taylor Dorman Collapses During Gym Class on 16th Birthday [VIDEO]

A California teen hit by a softball during gym class dies Wednesday morning. The Ramona High School student, Taylor Dorman was struck in the church during an improvised softball game and collapsed a short time later.

"After being hit Taylor complained of his chest hurting then he collapsed," said Tony Newman, Ramona High School Principal.

Fellow classmates told KFMB-TV that Dorman showed no stress, continuing to play the game and seemed fine for about 20 minutes, as he even joked with the student who had hit the ball at him before collapsing.

Dorman as eventually transported by a helicopter to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido where he died a short time later.

The cause of his death was not immediately known.

"We had planned our lives together. We were going to play football for another two years and then join the military. Now that's all gone," said Chris Hartness his best friend.

"He was always happy and always smiling," one classmate told the station. "And even when it was a bad day he would always bring just so much happiness."

Students and faculty gathered at the high school for a candlelight vigil Wednesday evening, during which they released birthday balloons for his birthday and to mourn Dorman's death.

San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com