(NewsNation) — Richard Aspinwall, a football coach who was killed Wednesday in the shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, was a pillar of the community and a proud “girl dad,” recalled head football coach Mike Hancock.
“He took pride in being a girl dad,” Hancock said of the 39-year-old husband and father. “Whether we’re playing well or not playing well, he could come off the field from home games, and those two little girls would be sitting in the back of the end zone, and they would give him his daddy hugs.”
Hancock said he’s been able to stay connected with his team in the aftermath of the shooting, but he’s looking forward to being able to see them in person.
“I want to get my eyes on them. I want to get my hugs on them … and just let them know that this is a tough road, but together we can do this, and we’ll get through this,” Hancock said.
Killed in the shooting were two 14-year-olds — Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo — Aspinwall and educator Christina Irimie, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
At least nine other people — eight students and one teacher — were taken to hospitals with injuries. All were expected to survive, Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said.
A 14-year-old Apalachee student has been charged with four counts of felony murder, with more charges expected.
