High School Head Football Coach Dies in Accident
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Updated: 12:56 PM Jul 30, 2008
High School Head Football Coach Dies in Accident
Dale County High School football coach Todd Horne has died after being involved in a two vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon in Ozark.
Posted: 4:11 PM Jul 29, 2008
Reporter: Ryan Rodig
Email Address: ryan@wtvy.com
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Dale County High School football coach Todd Horne has died after being involved in a two vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon in Ozark.

Horne and four other Dale County High School coaches were rushed to the hospital after their truck was reportedly t-boned by another truck at the intersection of Highway 231 and Camellia Avenue.

Friends, family and athletes gathered at Dale County Medical Center where they saw three coaches, Drew Danner, Wesley Locke and Matt Phillips released with minor injuries.

Head boys basketball coach Chad McKnight and Horne were transported to Flowers Hospital in Dothan in serious conditions.

At around 7 p.m. Thursday night, those gathered at Flowers Hospital learned that Horne had died as a result of his injuries.

Dale County Schools Superintendent, Phillip Parker, said, "Heart goes out to the Horne family and anybody that was involved in this accident. It’s just a terrible thing and we put our hopes and prayers with he good Lord. And it will be tough we are going to miss him."

Jesse Beasley played football under Horne when he first started at Dale County High. He says Horne was an inspiration and a mentor.

"I am going to school to be a football coach. He made me want to be a football coach, and a teacher. He was just a really good football coach all these players have lost a great mentor in their lives," said Beasley.

The football players having a hard time dealing with their grief found comfort in a huddle but they were not discussing strategy or plays, but remaining strong and praying for their lost coach.

“I can honestly say that all these guys loved him. He was like a father to us," adds Beasley.

Chad McKnight is still at Flowers hospital. Those who spoke to McKnight's family say that he has a fractured vertebra in his neck.

A full investigation will be done and charges could come after it is completed.


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