Florida High School Mourns Second Coach Death in Months

Gainesville High School in Florida is facing another tragedy after a second football coach died suddenly on campus. Quintavis Styles, 31, an assistant football coach, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, after collapsing in the school's administration offices. He was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital, where resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead.

The District 8 Medical Examiner's Office is investigating the cause of death, which has yet to be determined, according to The Gainesville Sun.

Gainesville High School Athletic Director Phillip Knight expressed his sorrow for the students, noting that Styles had only joined the coaching staff three months prior. "I feel incredibly bad for our kids to have to go through this again," Knight stated, adding that the school had granted students time off to process the loss.

This incident follows the sudden death of junior varsity coach Rick Rone on April 7, just before the start of spring football practices. An online tribute described Rone as a devoted family man who left an indelible mark on Gainesville as a teacher and coach, known for his calm demeanor and dedication to inspiring young people.

Styles, originally from Colorado, moved to Gainesville earlier in the year to work under head coach Ashour Peera, whom he had played for previously. Styles attended the University of Northern Colorado and had held various educational positions in Colorado, including Director of Community Relations for a state representative, before relocating to Florida.

The school's football program has also experienced other challenges, including the detention and subsequent return of senior kicker Sebastian Jimenez.

Head coach Ashour Peera was placed on administrative leave by the school district earlier this month. Defensive coordinator Ray Smith is currently serving as interim head coach. The Gainesville Hurricanes have a bye week and their next game is scheduled for October 9.