Close friends and associates suspect that Jim Dostal committed suicide. The football coach was 59 years old when he died. Jim Dostal, a well-known public figure in Cedar Rapids, was inducted into the Coe College Hall of Fame in 2003. During his tenure at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School, he was an all-metro and all-conference running back.
He went on to play college football and eventually coached at Coe, Prairie and Jefferson. In 1992, Dostal led the J-Hawks to the semifinals of the Class 4A State Playoffs. In 2012, the football coach obtained a doctorate in science. in educational leadership from the University of Iowa. Residents of Cedar Rapids have confirmed the cause of his death, although no official statement has been released.
Jim Dostal Obituary and cause of death
Jim Dostal, a veteran Cedar Rapids football coach, has died at age 59 in Cedar Rapids. The official cause of his death has not yet been announced. However, social networks claim that the football coach committed suicide. The Gazette reported on Jan. 3 that a man was found dead near Taft High School Wednesday morning.
At 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, emergency services were called to the high school for a report of an unresponsive adult male. Medical personnel pronounced the person dead. Taft Principal Gary Hatfield released an email to parents saying no Taft students or staff were involved in the medical emergency. The entire email was eventually shared on the Cedar Rapids community subreddit. The email said that someone at school knew the guy, since it’s a small town, and that the news would touch others.
Many people have confirmed in the comments section that the guy is former football coach Jim Dostal. However, several critics in the comments section rightfully questioned the source. One user said he notified instructors at Prairie and Jefferson about the tragedy after the school day. Another user said that people close to the issue (Jefferson, Prairie and Taft) confirmed that the death was a suicide.
Flood in tribute to the football coach
Mark Bliss, a longtime friend and former head coach at Cedar Rapids Prairie High School, issued a statement on X, announcing Jim’s death. “Today I am announcing the death of my closest friend Jim Dostal,” he said alongside a picture of Jim. I know 1000’s of players and students have benefited from having you in their lives. I will cherish our 29 years of friendship and brotherhood. “I love and miss you, brother.” According to The Gazette, the two became fast friends after meeting at a bowling match in Australia.
Mark also told The Gazette that he arrived in Cedar Rapids after Jim talked him into accepting the position. One of Jim’s students also left a kind message for the coach on his Facebook page. Saif Alsafi, Class of 2010, Jefferson High School, recalled Jim directing the graduation rehearsal. The Jefferson Football X site also posted a comment. “We were shocked today by the death of Dr./Coach Jim Dostal,” they said. Coach was a fixture in our Westside community as a former student/athlete/graduate, a great educator and a fantastic coach! His death is a direct blow to the heart of the community. Coach, rest in peace.”
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education