Missouri high schooler dies after being hit by pitch

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- A south-central Missouri baseball player who was struck by a wild pitch has died.

Doctors at St. John's Hospital in Springfield declared Patrick Clegg brain dead Thursday night and he was taken off a respirator Friday.

The 16-year-old Waynesville High School junior was batting Tuesday in a game at Lebanon when he turned to avoid being hit by a pitch. The baseball hit him just below his helmet, and he collapsed.

The hospital said in a statement that Clegg's parents and six brothers and sisters appreciate the kindness they had received since Patrick was injured.

Hospital spokeswoman Cora Scott said the family didn't want to speak to the media.

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