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Oswego Boy Dies After Baseball Accident in Wheaton

District 308 counselors available for students, adults.

 

Updated at 2:30 p.m. Friday

A 12-year-old Oswego boy has died from injuries suffered Wednesday while playing baseball for the Oswego Panthers 12U Orange traveling team.

According to Kristine Liptrot, District 308 director of communications, Eric Lederman was playing with the team in Wheaton when he was struck in the neck with a ball during warmups. He was a sixth-grader at Thompson Junior High.

Wheaton Fire Department Deputy Chief Bill Schultz confirmed paramedics were called to Atten Park at 6:12 p.m. Wednesday for an emergency. He refused to comment further on the call, saying only that Eric was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.

From there, Liptrot said he was taken by helicopter to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where he died. According to a spokesman with the Cook County Medical Examiner's office, Eric was pronounced dead at 8:04 p.m. Thursday.

"This is a tragedy that affects the entire District 308 family," Liptrot said. "Not only was he a student at Thompson, but many of his teammates were students at our other junior highs."

Eric was remembered by his coach Brian Zacker as someone who played the game with passion.

“He was an inspiration to his teammates, coaches, and baseball family,” he said. "He played with an infectious smile and played the game with tremendous passion and heart."

Eric also knew how to lighten the mood after a loss, Zacker said.

"He was also the comedian of the team," he said "Whether we lost 2-1 or 20-1, he would always say something in our post game huddle that would make us laugh. He brought a tremendous amount of joy, passion, and love to his team, coaches, and baseball family and we will never forget him."

According to a statement from District 308, Thompson staff remembered Eric as a boy with "character and a wonderful sense of humor." He also was a member of the wrestling team who was always willing to help out, staff said.

"His caring attitude towards his peers, quick wit and dedication to teamwork are things that will be remembered about him at Thompson Junior High," the release said.

Liptrot said counselors and social workers are available at Thompson to aid children and adults who may need it.

District 308 released a press release Friday afternoon about Eric's death, saying he had "great character and a wonderful sense of humor."

Information on funeral services for Eric will be announced on the the Oswego Panther baseball website at oswegobsa.org.

The Oswego Baseball and Softball Association, in conjunction with Oswego Youth Tackle Football, has set up a memorial fund. Monetary donations can be made to the fund at Allied First Bank, 3201 Orchard Road, Oswego, IL 60543. Make donations payable to "Eric Lederman Memorial Fund."

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Related Topics: Eric Lederman, Oswego Panther Baseball, and Thompson Junior High

Ruth F

10:39 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

Oh my God. Prayers for this family. Rethinking my son's entry into sports.

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Jim Smith

6:12 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

"Rethinking my son's entry into sports."

This was a freak accident and injury. You can't keep your kid locked up in the house forever. Overall, the positive aspects of playing sports often outweigh the negatives. Step back and look at the overall situation.

Remember Rachel Barton, the violinist who lost her left leg at age 20 to a Metra train? Does that mean no one should take up an instrument and become passionate about classical music?

Geoff Mitchell

10:43 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

Our prayers are with his entire family and friends. May the peace of Christ be with them in this terrible time.

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faith mcdonald

8:24 am on Thursday, April 11, 2013

It has been a hole year since the accedent and we all have been doing so much better but im scared to walk into school friday<3

Karen Gerrity

10:44 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

My heart goes out to his family and friends. May the Lord bless them all with comfort and love.

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oswego mom

10:44 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

My hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Eric Lederman.

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Wendy Jones

10:57 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about Eric. My son played on a team with his older bother. We are sick over this and are praying for th entire Lederman family

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Sally Jamieson

10:57 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

My heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to all of Eric's family, friends, and teachers.

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Baseball Mom

10:57 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

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Jenn Prusak

11:08 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

Such a tragedy. We take our son to play baseball several times a week - I can't imagine not coming home with him. Our hearts & prayers go out to the Lederman family and all of Eric's friends. God bless.

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Oswego Baseball Mom

11:11 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

As the Mom of the other Erik on Eric Lederman's we are all greiving with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends

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Melissa Price

11:13 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to Eric's family, friends, teammates, coaches, and fellow Panthers. As a mother of two Panther Travel Baseball players, I can not imagine how devestating this must be for all of those close to Eric. We have lost one of our own....

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Nicole Tudisco

11:15 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

Devastating, my heart goes out to all

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Kowall Family

11:26 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with Eric's family!

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Richard R

11:27 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

Sorry for the lose to the Lederman family. Thoughts and prayers, to his teammates and classmates.

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Jodi Larson

11:39 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

OUr thoughts and prayers go out to the Lederman family, Thompson faculty, and his friends. May the Lord comfort you all in the coming days!

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Rachelle Stoller

11:50 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

Such a devastating loss. Thoughts and prayers for the Lederman family, friends and teammates.

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acoopfan

11:52 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

Prayers for The Lederman family and all who know them. May you all know God's comfort and peace.

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Thompson Mom

11:53 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

So sorry to hear of this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Eric's family and friends.

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Jane Enviere

11:58 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

So sorry to read about such a devastating loss. Our thoughts go out to the family.

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Raquel Wadsworth

11:59 am on Friday, April 13, 2012

My son played football with Eric.. i am SHOCKED at this tragedy.. MY HEART MY THOUGHTS N PRAYERS GO OUT TO LEDERMAN FAMILY!!!

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Jami Morehouse

12:07 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers for the Lederman family and the entire community.

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Christina Glover (Christina Michelle Photography)

12:08 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

I just pray for this family. I am so sorry for their loss of so much... may this boy be with God in heaven with mansions prepared for him and life all around him... this life is only a small blink compared to eternity.

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LSJ

12:14 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

What a sad story!! I am so sorry for the family's and community's loss. I will be praying for all those who are grieving.

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Illinois Athletics 9U mom

12:39 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

My heart and prayers go out to Eric's family, friends and The entire Panther's Organization. Such a tragic accident.

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Amie Arseneau

12:46 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

What a terrible tragedy....Our hearts and prayers are with the family and the community.

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Damaris Abella

1:05 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

Such a tragic and heartbreaking accident. Words cannot express my deepest condolences. I pray for strength and peace for the Lederman Family, the coaches, teammates, Thompson staff and students, and the entire Oswego athletic community affected by this story. As a Mother and devoted Aunt to baseball/softball players, this really hits home...

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JMH

1:13 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

My condolences and prayers to the Lederman family! What a tragic loss! Prayers also go to the Oswego Panther players and families! You are all in my families thoughts!

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E. Mikolay

1:19 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

This is so devastasting. My thoughts and prayers for comfort are with Eric's family and friends.

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Lisa Cornelius

1:24 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

My thoughts go out to the entire family, team, and friends. I'm so sorry for your loss

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Karen Veeder

1:47 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

Prayers of comfort for the Lederman family. I am so sorry for your loss.

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Oswego Mom

2:02 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

our thoughts and prayers go out to the Lederman family and friends. What a tragic loss for them, for the community. Tragic. Our deepest sympathy.

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gina sendef

2:19 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

sending prayers and love to his family, teammates, classmates, teachers, coaches and friends

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OHS Pather Mom

2:20 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

With my tears rolling & a heart my deapest sympathies go out to this family! My son has played baseball since the age of 4, now 16, and I've never imagined such a tragic accident. I can only imagine how devastated Eric's family & friends are. As a Panther parent myself, I know this has hit home for many.
Please Lederman family and friends 'feel' the wonderful community and baseball organization we live and play in... may you find some peace knowing we all are praying for you now and in the days and years to come. I pray God fills your hearts with love, peace & strength to get through this difficult time. And may God bless your little angel and guide him through the gates of heaven.

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Cindy Brewer

5:06 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

Just reading your post made me cry..God Bless them and your Family ..It was such a horrible thing that happened .

Linda Zell

2:23 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss, there are no words to take this pain away.

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gwen moore

3:03 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

Gwen
My thoughts and prayers for the family and his team mates. God Bless everyone.

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Megan

3:28 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

Wow, as a former softball player, my thoughts and prayers go out to the Lederman family.

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Tracy

3:30 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with this family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.

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bob

4:02 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

this is so sad.....to all the players, Friends, And especially family, i'll be praying for you. may god help you though this tough time & bless you over time. my condolences go to all who are greving for Eric Lederman.

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Chris Reber

4:50 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

My heart and prayers go out to the Lederman family and friends, teammates, classmates. It is easy to see the community has been affected deeply....may the family take solace in knowing the great impact their son had on so many.

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Matthew Luce

6:00 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

I had written a big long letter on the patch and if you could see it, you would know how much you ment to everyone. Even people that didnt know you all the way to Bednarcik. RIP Eric. My prayers go out to you, your family, and the troubled ones, and that young man who threw the pitch. Im sure you were a very great kid and you will be one in heaven. We will always remember you.

RIP Eric Lederman
April 12th, 2012

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Matthew Luce

6:01 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

Everyone just wants one last goodbye. <l3. I just heard you on the news :(

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Helen Fischer

6:23 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

My heart breaks for both families...the Lederman's; and the poor little boy who was pitching the ball. I just can't imagine what he will go through as well. Hopefully, both families will be able to find healing with time.

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Matthew Luce

8:45 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

I feel the same for the poor little boy and the Ledermans

Helen Fischer

6:28 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

My heart breaks for both families...the Lederman's; and the poor little boy who was pitching the ball. I just can't imagine what he will go through as well. From what I've heard, it was a freak accident. I hope he can come to realize this isn't his fault. Hopefully, both families will be able to find healing with time.

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Ann Brennan

6:53 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

My heart aches for the family and friends. It is so difficult to lose someone so young. May his memory live in those hearts he affected always.

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Denise Stillman

7:07 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

Thinking about and praying for the Lederman's tonight as my 11yo son is out on a baseball field in Plainfield playing tonight. God bless his young soul and his family. My heart grieves for them.

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Kim Petry

7:22 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, teammates.. God bless

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Crystal Rutherford

7:40 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

Such a tragic event! My thoughts and prayers go out to The Lederman family, friends, teachers, and coaches.

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O&F's mom

8:45 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of this freak accident ....nothing can explain it - my daughter attended Fox Chase with Eric as well as Thompson and I know so many will miss him. Prayers and strength to all he impacted, especially his family.

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Richard Saunders

8:45 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

A horrible loss and a tragic accident. Heartfelt thoughts from our family to his and to all of his classmates, friends and teammates.

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Rose

9:20 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

A horrible freak accident. My thoughts and prayers go out to Eric's family and friends.
I pray for the boy who threw the ball, I hope he understands this is not his fault. May he and the Lederman family have the strength to get through this terrible accident.
RIP Eric!

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Josie King

10:20 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

You all are in so many thoughts and prayers. Please know that we will continue to pray for years to come. I am so sorry for your loss.

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KKD

11:25 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

I wish the family strength during this very difficult time. God Bless you and your entire family. My son played football with Eric....I was very touched when my son came home and said his last conversation with Eric was this past Tuesday and he and Eric parted by saying "see ya" it turly touches me and it has touched my son and my entire family. We never know when the words that we say to something might be out last...My son has said that Eric was a great person and a very nice friend...Eric will be truly missed...R.I.P

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mom23

3:58 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012

My heart is breaking for him, his family & friends. Sending thoughts & prayers out to them. I know they have a fund set up, and don't know if Thompson is already planning on doing this or not, but they should set up a Thompson Culver's night fundraiser for the family. It's always a great turn out and really helps the families financially, and to know so many care and want to help. Just a thought.

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Sarah

5:28 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Lederman family. My son played baseball with Eric and felt he was truly a great friend. He will be missed by all who knew him! It is such a tragedy at such a young age playing a sport he loved. God definitely has another angel.

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The Best Family

6:41 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012

Our deepest sympathys go out to your family. Though we did not know Eric, he sounds like he was a very special boy. We feel much sadness and pain for your loss and have shed many tears over this tragedy. I pray for God to bring your family comfort and peace. God Bless.

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OYTF Coach

8:01 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012

On behalf of the OYTF coaches-thank you all for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.Pls. continue to do so for his siblings as well as the family of the child who was pitching.Great kid.#23 Panther Football

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Endriukaitis Family

9:06 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012

Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to Eric's family and friends. Prayers go out. Were very sorry for your loss.

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Brandon

11:40 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012

R.I.P Eric you will be missed
and i love how abc7 news changed the story and didnt show any respect, they showed the wrong field and made it seem like he got hit on purpose by his team mate and made it seem like it happened before the game.

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Brenda Palomo

7:16 am on Monday, April 16, 2012

My heart goes out to the lederman family. Eric played football with my son and he will be in our prayers! I know we all wish we knew exactly what to say to make this easier on the family. Unfortunately we all know those perfect words don't exist but know that he was loved by many and will be missed.

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TE

10:57 am on Monday, April 16, 2012

My son who plays for the U11 Panthers came home and with tears in his eyes said he personally didn't know Eric but he felt like family. I gave him a big hug and told him Eric was family because he was a Panther. This has turned our Panther world upside down. The Panthers have their own personal angel in heaven looking down on our boys.

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Beth Krane

4:26 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012

Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and for Eric. May this journey bring you closer together, and his memory bring smiles.

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Mark Wells

3:30 pm on Saturday, April 13, 2013

What a terrible tragedy, I'm so sorry for the boy's family.

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