Apalachee Wildcats Coach Richard Aspinwall remembered by players as 'like family'
Richard Aspinwal (Supplied)
BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - Richard "Ricky" Aspinwall was a math teacher and assistant football coach for the Apalachee Wildcats.
He was one of four people killed at Apalachee High School in Winder on Wednesday.
The 39-year-old Aspinwall is the team's defensive coordinator, being hired in 2023.
Falcons, NFL honor Apalachee High School
The Atlanta Falcons wore t-shirts representing Apalachee High School during warm-ups at their home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and his wife have also stepped in to help the family of the football coach who doubled as a math teacher and was killed during the deadly shooting. The fundraiser for Ricky Aspinwall has reached nearly $400K.
"It's just so hard to think that somebody that you spent so much time with, because this is my second year with coach, but spending so much time, like family basically," said sophomore football player, Isaiah Hooks. "So, turning around, knowing that he's not going to be there."
FRIENDS AND FAMILY REMEMBER FALLEN VICTIMS OF APALACHEE HIGH SCHOOL ATTACK:
- Apalachee High School student Christian Angulo 'was so loved by many'
- Cristina Irimie remembered as 'hero' educator, 'role model for our generations'
- Sister of Apalachee High School student Mason Schermerhorn: ‘He loved everyone’
- How to help Apalachee High School shooting victims
Teachers killed in Apalachee High shooting being hailed as heroes
The community is remembering two teachers who lost their lives trying to protect their students during a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Richard Aspinwall was a coach and math teacher. Christina Irimie who was also a math teacher. Both were killed in the shooting. FOX 5's Aungelique Proctor has more on how the community is honoring the pair.
He was previously at Mountain View High School in Lawrenceville. The Mountain View HS Athletics posted a heartfelt message on its Facebook page:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of former Mountain View High School teacher and coach Ricky Aspinwall, who lost his life at Apalachee High School today. Mountain View extends its deepest condolences to the entire Apalachee High School community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this tragic time."
The Rome native was also previously a teacher at Dunwoody High School.
Buford High School football Coach Brandon Gill shared a photo of him with Coach Aspinwall on his X account, writing:
"Unbelievably heart broken over the loss of our dear friend @CoachAwall ... He was truly as great as they come. Helluva human being. Would do anything for anyone. Amazing husband, father, teacher and coach. I’ll never forget you, brother! RIP Rick-Bo"
Services for Aspinwall have not yet been announced.