Ripley High School announced Monday that the school’s longtime head baseball coach, Joel Gafford, has died at the age of 40.
Gafford, who led the Tigers for 15 years, passed away on Sunday.
“In our grief over losing Coach Joel Gafford, our community has shown up with love and strength,” Ripley High School officials posted on social media Monday. “To every counselor, minister, youth director, and friend who stood beside this morning – thank you. Your compassion is carrying us forward.”
The Tigers enjoyed a historic season in what would be Gafford’s second-to-last season as the skipper in 2024, leading the program to its first state championship appearance since 1992.
The New Albany native compiled 254 wins in his time as the head coach.
