Apalachee football coach Richard Aspinwall among 4 killed in school shooting
Richard Aspinwall, defensive coordinator for the Apalachee High School football team, was identified as one of four people who were killed in Wednesday's mass shooting at the Georgia school.
The 39-year-old Aspinwall was a married father-of-two and worked as a math teacher at Apalachee High School.
"He was a great dad, man, and a great father," said Mike Hancock, head football coach at Apalachee High School. "He loved his two girls and he loved his wife. He did happen to love the game of football and he was well respected around this area.
"We've got a staff that's hurting. This staff has been together for two years and Ricky has been a big part of it. It's tough."
As our community, school, and football program begins the mourning process we are so grateful for the outpouring of support.
To our beloved defensive coordinator Ricky Aspinwall, we will carry you heavy in our hearts. We love you Coach A!!!— Apalachee Football (@ApalacheeFB) September 5, 2024
According to ABC News, students said that Aspinwall heard banging noises outside of his classroom and opened his door to investigate.
After students ran back into the classroom, they heard more popping noises outside and realized the door to their room was still open. That's when they saw Aspinwall on the ground laying there.
"He was trying to crawl back to us," Stephanie Reyna said, "we just think he was trying to get to us."
One of Reyna's classmates pulled Aspinwall's body into the classroom and shut the door. Other students began barricading the door with cabinets, desks and chairs.
Aspinwall a 'really good coach' with 'a good heart'
A GoFundMe page that has been set up to benefit Aspinwall's wife, Shayna, and two daughters has received nearly $80,000 in donations.
"Coach Aspinwall was a really good coach and he has a good heart," read one message from a donor. "My condolences to his wife and his loved ones and especially his two little girls. God bless."
Unbelievably heart broken over the loss of our dear friend @CoachAwall …. He was truly as great as they come. Helluva human being. Would do anything for anyone.
Amazing husband, father, teacher and coach. I’ll never forget you, brother!
RIP Rick-Bo. 💔 pic.twitter.com/DEfvv6xIAn— Brandon Gill (@Coach_Gill56) September 4, 2024
The three other victims who were killed have been identified as Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14-year-old students, and teacher Christina Irimie, 53.
Nine others — eight teachers and one student — were injured in the shooting and taken to local hospitals.
A 14-year-old suspect is in custody, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey said the suspect has been charged with murder and will be tried as an adult.
