Oliver Ames senior dies of brain aneurysm

EASTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- Oliver Ames High School cancelled activities Friday night after the senior wrestling captain suffered an aneurysm.

The Oliver Ames yearbook is full of rich memories from 17-year-old Devin Ness, the captain of his high school wrestling team.

Friday, that family lost their leader; Devin died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm.

“I had seen Devin yesterday in the hallways…it was just typical. Everything was fine…and then the next day to have this news that we just lost someone in our community -- it’s just shocking and difficult,” said Wesley Paul, principal. “Everyone who knows him knows he was a quiet kid, but he’s a confident kid, he’s a polite and respectful kid. We're changed as a class, we’re changed as a community, we lost someone that everyone loved.”

Devin had been medically cleared to wrestle; his illness was sudden and shocking.

He was the heart and soul of his team.

“Coach Pomella’s first words that came to his mouth were ‘one of the greatest kids he’s ever had the pleasure of coaching,’ so sad for him. Talking to Devin’s dad, my heart was breaking for their loss, to lose such a wonderful young man,” Paul said. “He had a bright future. He was going to continue being a great person and make this world a better place. And unfortunately, we lost a treasure.”

Devin had attended class and practice just one day before he died.

The principal has invited members of the senior class to school Saturday to meet with guidance counselors.