Medfield boy, 14, dies at lacrosse practice

An eighth-grader at St. Sebastian's School in Needham died yesterday while practicing lacrosse on a school field, officials said.

William Judge, 14, of Medfield collapsed shortly after 3:30 p.m., rescue officials said. Officials at the Catholic school for boys said he was involved in a "noncontact drill" at lacrosse practice.

In a statement last night, school officials said he received immediate medical attention from school officials and members of the Needham police and fire departments. Paramedics took him to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Needham, where he was pronounced dead.

"William was a terrific young man who was admired by his fellow students, his teachers, and all of us at our school," William L. Burke III, the school's headmaster, said in the statement. "We were with his parents at the hospital, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wonderful mother and father and his brother, who is a sophomore at our school."

The youth's family declined to comment last night.

Burke said the school's staff will meet with students in small groups today to offer counseling. The school also plans a service at the school's chapel for students, parents, and other community members. The school has about 340 students in the seventh through 12th grades.

"It's a tragedy for the whole school," said Timothy Wyse, whose son plays for the varsity lacrosse team.

Several players on the varsity team said they were told to stop practicing soon after the tragedy and were sent home. Judge was not on the varsity team.

Susan Brooks, whose son plays for the varsity lacrosse team, said the Judge family has been active at St. Sebastian.

"They have two very wonderful children, just wonderful," she said. "They're very supportive of the school. . . . Every time anyone needed any help, they were there. They were at all of the functions."