Alex Van Pelt of Danville, a 2024 graduate of Chatham High School and a talented baseball pitcher, has died.

Van Pelt’ death shocked his family and local community, who have come together to help his family through this tragic time.

The youngster was a right-handed pitcher for the Chatham High School team and was ranked 46th overall among baseball prospects in Virginia. Approaching his senior year, Van Pelt announced his commitment to play division 1 baseball at Mount St Mary in a post on X (formerly Twitter), revealing he had made the decision following talks with his coaches and family. Following his graduation, Van Pelt joined the Sherill Silversmiths NYCBL team and made an impression with his obvious talent.

The Danville community has set up a fundraising effort to help his family raise money to cover funeral costs.

Tributes have also been pouring in for Van Pelt from his loved ones.

“Alex Van Pelt, son you’re going to be missed by so many, Tyler loved playing golf with you and I was glad I got to see you play baseball. Go play on God’s team and keep that shirt unbutton and show off your chest for the girls” one tribute read.