Fla. Youth Football Coach Dies in Crane Accident 3 Weeks After Teenage Daughter Died from Cancer: ‘Send Prayers’

Mar. 15, 2025

Chuck Thomas and family.Photo:Alexus Johnson/GoFundMe

Alexus Johnson/GoFundMe

A Florida youth football coach has tragically died less than a month after losing his young daughter to cancer.

Chuck Thomas, a football coach for Leaders at Dunnellon Tigers Youth Athletics, died Saturday, Jan. 4, from a crane accident while he was working for a local tree company, ABC affiliateWCJBreported.

The father of five and his wife, Amber Norrie, recently lost their 16-year-old daughter Vanessa to brain cancer just three weeks earlier, according to the outlet.

Chuck Thomas.Chuck Thomas/Facebook

Chuck Thomas/Facebook

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)is currently investigating Thomas’ death, which occurred while he was working for Conrad Tree Services, which had received multiple violations due to the death and injuries of other workers, WCJB said.

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Before his death, Thomas was admitted to the hospital due to being “severely injured” and remained in ICU, according to aGoFundMecreated for the family.

“Please continue to send prayers to my family as we grieve yet another tragic loss,” the post continued.

Norrie had not yet returned to work after Vanessa’s death, they said, and is taking care of their five kids on her own “with no income.”

Currently, $40,000 has been raised for the grieving family from an $8,000 goal.

“Our staff, our nurses, doctors, residents, our auxiliary staff line the halls, and this is very important because it signifies that a patient is doing a good thing,” Trauma and Acute Care Surgeon, Sade Garcia-Henry, told WCJB.

source: people.com