Washington coach dies after collapsing at game
The Washington School District community is mourning the loss of a football coach who died after collapsing in the stands at Friday night’s varsity game.
First responders were called to the Washington High School Stadium at 6:45 p.m. for junior high football coach Ron Todd, who was experiencing a medical issue, the supervisor on duty at Washington County 911 said Saturday morning. He was transported to UPMC Washington, where he was later pronounced dead.
In a statement posted to the district’s Facebook page Sunday afternoon, acting Superintendent B.J. Mihelcic called Todd “not only a dedicated educator and mentor but also a beloved member of our school community.”
Todd taught special education at Washington Junior High. He also served as middle school football coach and a varsity assistant coach for baseball, along with coaching bocce for special needs students, according to the Washington district website.
“We had a loss last night,” varsity football coach Mike Bosnic said Saturday. “It’s a tough loss right now… our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the kids and the coaches.”
The district will have grief counselors available Monday morning at Washington Junior-Senior High School and Washington Park Elementary/Intermediate School to meet with students individually or in groups. Mihelcic said the sessions would give students a safe space to share their memories of Todd and feelings about his passing.”Please know that our entire school community is here to support each other as we navigate this loss together,” he said in the statement. “If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.”