Football coach dies after heroic action during Florida school shooting
Amid the horrifying accounts from survivors that emerged from Wednesday’s mass shooting at a Florida high school was the story of a heroic football coach who was credited with saving lives.
Aaron Feis, an assistant football coach, was among the 17 confirmed fatalities at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The alleged shooter was a former student at the school.
Social media accounts throughout the day described Feis as a hero, saying he was shot while shielding students from gunfire.
“He died the same way he lived — he put himself second,” school spokeswoman Denise Lehtio said. “He was a very kind soul, a very nice man. He died a hero.”
It is with Great sadness that our Football Family has learned about the death of Aaron Feis. He was our Assistant Football Coach and security guard. He selflessly shielded students from the shooter when he was shot. He died a hero and he will forever be in our hearts and memories pic.twitter.com/O181FvuHl3
— Stoneman Douglas Football (@MSDEagles) February 15, 2018
Early reports immediately after the attack indicated Feis had died, prompting tributes on social media. But subsequent posts, including one from fellow coach Jordan May, said Feis was wounded but had survived the shooting, raising the hopes of the school’s community.
“Coach Feis has not passed. He was shot but is not dead,” May, the son of Stoneman Douglas head football coach Willis May, said on Twitter. Willis May was in his office when the mass shooting occurred and escaped unharmed, his son said.
But sometime late Wednesday or very early Thursday, authorities notified Feis’ family that he had died.
Feis, who worked at the school as a security guard, responded to the original call on the school’s security radio walkie-talkies. Someone asked on the radio if the loud sounds heard were firecrackers, according to May, who also carries a radio.
“I heard Aaron say, ‘No, that is not firecrackers.’ That’s the last I heard of him,” May said.
May said he heard from a student who said Feis jumped between her and the shooter, pushing through a door and out of the line of fire.
“Big ol’ teddy bear,” May said of Feis. “Hardcore — he coached hard. Real good line. He did a great job with the [offensive] line. He took pride with working with those guys. Loyalty — I trusted him. He had my back. He worked hard. Just a good man. Loved his family. Loved his brother – just an excellent family man.”
Among the tributes to Feis posted online was a message from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The entire football community is grieving the loss of Coach Aaron Feis and all those who tragically lost their lives yesterday. https://t.co/geIMyMQ3Ld
— Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) February 15, 2018
Feis graduated from Stoneman Douglas High in 1999 and worked at the school for his entire coaching career, according to his bio on the school’s website.
In addition to coaching linemen, Feis served as the school’s junior varsity football coach for eight years. He was also the team’s college recruiting coordinator.
A brave, wonderful man. What an act of courage, Asron Feis sacrificed his life so that others may live. May God rest his soul.
— Sandra 💔🇺🇸 (@SandraSBreen) February 15, 2018
“He was a great guy,” said sophomore Douglas lineman Gage Gaynor. “Everyone loved him. Shame he had to go like this. Always gave his all to making us better. Definitely learned a lot from him.”
He is survived by his wife and daughter.
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