A 44-year-old football coach at Forney High School died of complications from COVID-19, his family says.
Jeremy Morgan, who was with Forney ISD for three years, died Sunday.
"Forney ISD is deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Jeremy Morgan. Our thoughts and prayers are dedicated to his family, his friends, his students and colleagues," Forney ISD said in a statement. "Coach Morgan influenced the lives of many people as he lived his WHY daily on campus. His impact on students and the community are deeply appreciated."
Morgan was the football team's offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. He was also an assistant on the Forney High School softball team.
Prior to joining Forney ISD, Morgan began his coaching career at his alma mater, Waxahachie High School, where he graduated and helped win the 1992 state championship. He went on to play football for SMU.
Greg Reed, director of athletics for Waxahachie ISD, said Morgan had qualities as a coach and educator that can't be taught.
"Definitely those attributes, I guess, that you call the intangibles and you feel like you've found a special one. That's what I thought we had in Jeremy, I know we did," Reed said.
Reed said Morgan changed career paths about five years ago to become a high school football coach.
"Once he became eligible to hire, we couldn't get him here fast enough," Reed said.
Morgan contracted COVID-19 in November and had to be hospitalized.
On December 1, Waxahachie's football team asked for continued prayers for their former player and coach.
Morgan passed away Sunday.
In a tweet, Morgan's son Will said, "I always knew this day would come but never would I be ready for it to be so soon. To the man who taught me how to be a man, I say thank you. All I have ever wanted to do is be like you, and never have I been more proud to call you my father. I love you, Dad. Rest in Heaven."
Information on Morgan's visitation and funeral were also posted on Twitter.
Morgan's daughter Emily said her father was a, "perfectly healthy 44-year-old," adding, "the next time you think about going out after you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, think about him, Jeremy Morgan and how no one else should have to go through this."
In a tweet, WISD Athletics said, "He is and always will be the model of character, faith and discipleship."
