This story has been updated with additional information.
Southwest Local School District is mourning a teacher and coach who worked for the district for more than two decades after he had a heart attack in class.
John Stephen “Steve” Coffman died suddenly Thursday, April 30, prompting the school to excuse classes for the remainder of the day and Friday, May 1. He suffered a heart attack while in class and later died after being taken to the hospital, School Board President Jeff Biddle told The Enquirer.
After joining Southwest Local School District in 2004, Coffman taught math at both Harrison Junior School and William Henry Harrison High School.
He was the assistant coach for cross country at Harrison Junior, assistant coach for softball and cross country at Harrison High and the head boys basketball coach at the high school.
Coffman’s absence is “a tremendous loss, and not just for his family,” said Biddle, whose wife babysat for Coffman for about a decade. He added that Coffman took his work seriously and always came to work well-dressed, wearing a suit and tie.
Other than teaching, Coffman also worked as an investment advisor representative at Coffman Wealth Management. He shared his knowledge on financial planning with school district colleagues.
The district will provide support to Coffman’s family, staff, and students.
Facilities will be open during normal hours for students and staff to gather, and grief counselors and community support resources will be available from 9 a.m. to noon.
These resources will also be available at Harrison High School when classes resume Monday, May 4.
Enquirer media partner Fox19 contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Harrison teacher and coach dies suddenly, schools providing support
Reporting by Matthew Cupelli and Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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