Florida Teacher and Basketball Coach Found Dead in Storm Drain Near School Gym: 'Tragic Accident'
Mar. 15, 2025Dexter Butler.Photo:Dexter Butler/Facebook
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Dexter Butler/Facebook
A Florida teacher and basketball coach was found dead in a storm drain near the school gymnasium on Saturday, police said.
The man was later identified as Dexter Butler of Key West, police added.
The investigation is ongoing although no foul play is suspected.
“The accident which took his life is under investigation. Further details will be released as they become available,” the statement read.
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“At HOB this morning, I could feel the immense sense of loss with both teachers [and] students. They were definitely trying to understand a reality that is all too painful to deal with,” Axford continued. “We hope that God gives the family the strength to manage this terrible tragedy and our prayers are with them on a daily basis.”
Axford previously toldKeys Weeklythat Butler fell while he was reaching for his keys, which had fallen into the storm drain. However, when reached on Monday, a police spokesperson told PEOPLE that detectives have mentioned that those events “may not be fully accurate.”
Butler spent around 14 years working at the high school and at Horace O’Bryant Middle School, the school district told theMiami Herald. He previously coached youth baseball at the middle school and junior varsity baseball at the high school.
“Dexter was an integral part of the HOB staff, teaching 6th grade history and he also held various coaching baseball and basketball positions including his current role as head KWHS Varsity Boys Basketball coach,” the school district said in a statement.
A candlelight vigilwas also held in his honor on Sunday night outside the school.
On Monday, counselors, social workers and other support staff were made available to students and staff.
source: people.com
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