January 1, Hero Coach Among Four Tragically Lost in Georgia School Shooting

Tragedy struck in Barrow County, Georgia, as a highly-respected football coach, Ricky Aspinwall, became one of four victims in a horrific high school shooting Wednesday morning. Aspinwall, a 39-year-old husband and father of two daughters, was a cherished figure in his community and known for instilling traditional values into the young men he coached.

As a math teacher and the defensive coordinator for Apalachee High School’s football team, Aspinwall was admired by both his colleagues and the kids he mentored. Mike Hancock, the head football coach, praised Aspinwall as a dedicated family man who brought old-school coaching techniques and a passion for the game to the field.

“He worked his tail off,” said Hancock. “He coached old-school ways, but he loved those kids. It’s heartbreaking really for our kids, but for his wife and his two daughters…”

With deepest sympathy we share that former MV secondary coach Ricky Aspinwall was tragically lost during the senseless act at a nearby high school today. Coach A was a beloved member of MVHS football and the school’s math department. We pray for Shayna and his girls. pic.twitter.com/BebTgElsq4

— Mountain View Bears Football (@MVFootballBears) September 5, 2024

This act of senseless violence claimed not only Aspinwall’s life but also those of math teacher Christina Irimie and two 14-year-old students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo. Nine others were wounded in the attack. The alleged shooter, another student at Apalachee High School, has been arrested and will be charged as an adult.

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith confirmed the suspect’s prosecution will be carried out to the full extent of the law.

Aspinwall had joined the Apalachee football program last year, having previously served at Mountain View High School. The Mountain View football community paid tribute to him on social media, sharing their sorrow and extending their prayers to his wife, Shayna, and their daughters.

“With deepest sympathy we share that former MV secondary coach Ricky Aspinwall was tragically lost during the senseless act at a nearby high school today,” the tribute read. “Coach A was a beloved member of MVHS football and the school’s math department. We pray for Shayna and his girls.”

This act of heinous violence has sent shockwaves through the community, reigniting discussions about school safety and the effectiveness of current systems to flag potential threats. The shooter had reportedly been flagged to the FBI last year, raising serious questions about why this red flag wasn’t enough to prevent such a tragedy.

Law enforcement on local, state, and federal levels are rigorously investigating the incident as the community grapples with this devastating loss.

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