Beloved high school basketball and cross country coach Travis Hooker has died after suffering an injury at his home.
“It is with much sadness that we share the news that Teacher and Coach Travis Hooker passed away yesterday from injuries sustained from a fall while working on his deck earlier in the day,” Virginia’s Lebanon High School announced via Facebook on Monday, March 15.
No other details about his death have been revealed.
The school’s statement added, “Travis was very invested in our students and athletes as he pushed them to excel beyond their expectations of themselves. Please keep LHS and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
At the time of his death, Hooker was the head coach of Lebanon’s varsity girls’ basketball team. Their successful season came to an end on February 25 with a loss in the Class 2 Region D state playoffs.
“Please remember his family, friends, colleagues, students, and players in the coming weeks,” Lebanon High teacher Destiny Jarnigan Newberry wrote on the girls’ basketball team’s Facebook page. “Coach Hooker cared deeply for his students and players. He will be greatly missed.”
Hooker was also the head coach of the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams at Lebanon, guiding the boys’ team to state championships in 2022 and 2023.
In a statement, Russell County Public Schools superintendent Kim Hooker said she was “deeply saddened” by the loss.
“Coach Hooker had a tremendous love for his students and players and worked to help them grow both in the classroom and in competition,” she said. “He made a lasting impact on many young people and will be greatly missed by the entire community.”
The school’s Facebook page became a place for friends, colleagues and former students to share their memories.
“So heartbreaking to hear! Praying hard for his loved ones, family, students and our community!” one person commented. “Travis was one of a kind! He was an amazing teacher when I went to LHS he made [you] feel seen and like [you] truly mattered! He was an amazing man and one hell of a coach! His legacy will live on through all of the students and future athletes he crossed paths with. He will be missed by so many!”
Another wrote, “Coach Hooker was one of the nicest people you could ever meet!!! It breaks my heart to hear this. He made all his athletes and students feel special! We will miss you so much!!!”
