Santa Maria High School Basketball Coach Dies
SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Santa Maria High School is mourning the death of Eddie Gutierrez. The popular girls varsity basketball coach died suddenly Sunday night. No official cause of death was announced.
Gutierrez, who also served as the school’s security coordinator, coached the Saints for the past three seasons. The Saints just finished the program’s best season in 9 years. Under the guidance of Gutierrez, the Saints qualified for the CIF postseason for the first time since 2006. Prior to his stint with the Saints, Gutierrez coached a pair of seasons at Pioneer Valley High School.
At Santa Maria, where he worked for 5 years, the school observed a moment of silence on Monday morning. School officials also announced counseling would be available for those on campus.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Eddie Gutierrez’s family and friends,” said Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Richardson.
The school is planning a memorial to be held later in the week.
