COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 19 (UPI) -- A teenage girl hit in the head by a puck at an NHL game on Saturday has died.
Brittanie Cecil, 13, was struck during a game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames at Nationwide Arena. She was taken to Children's Hospital in Columbus and died Monday.
At the request of her parents, no further information is being released.
In a statement, the hospital said the girl's organs
would be donated "in the hope that others will be blessed as much as they were by her life."
The family is establishing a memorial fund.
It is believed she was the first fan to die after being hit by a puck.
Blue Jackets General Manager Doug MacLean said the team and those associated with the arena "are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred during Saturday's game.
"Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Brittanie's family and friends during this time of anguish," MacLean added.
"Our fans mean the world to us, and this loss has had a profound effect on the entire Blue Jackets' family."
While puck-related fatalities are rare, warnings are not. They are announced over the public address before games and are outlined on game tickets.
