A high school baseball player tragically died after suffering a head injury during practice. He was 15.
Bentley Wolfe was hit by a baseball during his team’s first practice of the season on March 2, suffering a severe brain bleed that left the young athlete fighting for his life, per The Prairie Press.
Two days later, on March 6, Wolfe’s mother, Samatha Simpson, revealed that he passed away.
“Never ever did I ever expect to be saying this,” Simpson posted via Facebook. “Bentley Kahne Wolfe has entered heaven where I know so many had open arms waiting on him.”
She continued, “We are in the donor process now hoping he can save others from ever having to experience something so tragic in their life. Never forget my boy he can never be forgotten he was angel on earth and God needed him back💚 thank you for all the love the donations the food our family friends all the multiple community support is keeping us upright at the moment. If everyone loved and seen the world like Bentley it would be such a better place so make that your goal💚 #LLBW. Forever and ever Bentley Wolfe Mama💚💚”
Later on March 6, Wolfe’s school, Chrisman High School, hosted a prayer vigil honoring the sophomore, attended by hundreds of friends and classmates.
Bentley Wolfe Samantha Simpson / Facebook
“The outpouring of love from literally multiple towns, my friends, my family, people I haven’t talked to in a while, complete strangers, has been overwhelming to say the least,” Simpson said via Facebook. “But knowing my boy is so loved brings so much joy to this broken heart.”
The Peoria County Coroner’s office confirmed Wolfe’s death in a statement, adding that Wolfe was a “very heroic organ donor.”
“Autopsy on Bentley demonstrates that he suffered detrimental head trauma due to blunt force trauma,” said the statement, in part. “Sincere condolences to his family, the students, and staff at Chrisman High School.”
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The statement continued, “Despite aggressive care and treatment, sadly, Bentley was pronounced brain dead on March 6, 2026, at 5:49 p.m.. With much respect and gratitude, Bentley was a very heroic organ donor.”
According to his obituary, Wolfe is survived by his parents and seven siblings, along with grandparents and even great grandparents.
Along with playing baseball, he competed on the basketball team and was active in his school’s Future Farmer’s of America (FFA) program. He enjoyed tractors, trucks and “anything to do with farming.”
“Thank you, everyone, for being there for Bentley,” Simpson said at the vigil. “The love and support are really helping all of us. Please, please, please love like Bentley did. Because if everyone can do that, the world would be such a better place.”
