The Twinsburg community is mourning after its high school baseball coach died in a crash in Pennsylvania.
The school district confirmed coach Jeff Luca was involved in a crash Tuesday afternoon.
According to News 5's media partners at the Akron Beacon Journal, Luca was named head coach in 2018 after spending 12 years as an assistant coach.
In a letter sent to the baseball team, superintendent Kathi Powers wrote:
"In speaking with Mrs. Luca this evening, she shared how much Coach Luca loved his family. Mrs. Luca also shared that Coach Luca loved his baseball team and truly enjoyed being a part of our Tiger community. Coach Luca was a wonderful person who deeply cared about his student athletes, his coaching staff, and the families he came to know over the many years he coached our team.
"Mrs. Luca gave permission for me to send this message to you and she wanted me to ensure that 'Jeff’s team' would be provided with support during this sad time. I assured Mrs. Luca that we stand ready to be of support."
Other programs and schools in the area shared their condolences to the students and family of Luca on X.
Sending love , prayers and support to the @TwinsburgTigers during this difficult time. 🙏
— Westlake HS Baseball (@WHS_BASEBALL_1) December 6, 2023
Difficult to process losing a friend. I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Coach Luca for over 25 yrs. Just a great person and coach, but a better family man. Always putting others first. My thoughts are with you all @TwinsburgTigers
— Coach John Scott (@Jts7kick) December 6, 2023
We lost one of the great ones!
Luca leaves behind a wife, Jen, and three children, Riley, Dylan and Nate.
The district said counselors will be available to support students grieving the loss.
Bob Jones will have more on this story on News 5 at 5.
