KILLEEN, Texas — Killeen High School assistant football coach Greg Russell has died, Killeen High School head football coach and athletic coordinator Josh Sadler confirmed to 6 News on Thursday, Jan. 4.
Russell's family had created a GoFundMe several days before, raising money for Russell's medical expenses, stating he had suffered a "cardiac event" while driving on Dec. 28.
In the aftermath, the GoFundMe said Russell had been struggling to recover and was "fighting for his life" in the ICU.
According to the family, Russell was a high school coach for over 30 years, as well as a father and husband. Russell's family said he has "touched the lives of hundreds" over the years.
"Greg did an amazing job of setting a standard of educators that is going to be tough to reach," expressed Sadler. "We as teachers and coaches learned a lot from him because of the way he carried himself with the students."
As of Jan. 4, the GoFundMe has raised over $24,000.
Sadler released the following statement on Jan. 4:
"Greg Russell will be missed greatly. He was a phenomenal teacher and coach who touched the lives of countless students and athletes over a career that spanned 29 years. No words can express my gratitude to him and his family for the work he did for the students of Killeen High School. He set the standard by which all coaches should strive to achieve. Greg coached kids with love in his heart and every player he came in contact with knew exactly that! His loss will be felt for some time to come, as you just cannot replace a man like Greg Russell. Greg served the athletic department as the Defensive Coordinator in football and as the Head Boys’ Track Coach. His brilliance and dedication to education will now become part of the history at the campus he loved – Once a Roo, Always a Roo."
The Killeen High School principal, Dr. Kara Trevino, and the campus are currently coming up with a plan to provide support for students cope with the loss, according to Sadler.
No further information has been given at this time.
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