Police in Palmetto, Fla., are investigating the mysterious Christmas Day death of a star discus thrower and football player at Palmetto High.
Kyle O’Halloran, 18, died of head trauma at approximately 5 p.m. outside his house where family members were gathered for Christmas inside.
According to the Brandenton Herald and Sarasota Herald Tribune, police say a car pulled into the driveway and an altercation ensued by O’Halloran and the occupants of the vehicle. As the vehicle left the driveway, he somehow ended up hanging from the vehicle. It dragged O’Halloran and he fell to the ground. It is possible his head could have hit a rock or the ground in a manner to kill him, Deputy Police Chief Scott Tyler told the Herald.
The driver was 20-year-old Roberto Betancourt, WTSP reported. Betancort has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, reckless driving, and driving with no valid license. He has been booked into the Manatee County Jail.
O’Halloran was a fullback and linebacker for Palmetto High, which went to the regional quarterfinals last month, and also was the reigning Manatee County champion in the discus.
