Respected head track and field coach Dave Hakes took his last breath on September 17, 2025, after battling cancer for two years.
He served as the head coach for the boys’ track and field team at Bellmont High School for more than a decade.
Dave Hakes is survived by his wife, Cindy, and extended family.
Reportedly, about two years ago, Dave was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, and the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, lungs, and bones.
Bellmont Boys Track and Field Facebook page shared his every health update since May 2025.
Dave underwent radiation therapy and entered remission for a time. However, at the beginning of the current track season, tests showed that the cancer had returned.
He began chemotherapy treatments every three weeks to fight the disease.
During his recovery periods between treatments, his assistant coaches stepped in to lead the team.
The assistant coaches included Chase, Josh, Tony, Clayton, Noah, and Blaine, who managed practices and meets while Dave focused on his health.
In fact, the team honored him by writing the phrase “Do it for Dave” on their arms or legs during competitions. This simple gesture showed the strong bond between Dave and his athletes.
Assistant coach Josh shared the news with the community through the Bellmont Boys and Girls Track Facebook page.
He asked for healing thoughts and prayers for Dave and his family. Many parents and former students learned about the situation for the first time and offered their support.
Despite rigorous chemotherapy sessions in late June, Dave’s condition worsened. On Tuesday, June 23, he was admitted to the hospital.
He experienced numbness on his left side, though he could still move his hands and feet. However, tingling on his right side made walking impossible.
Doctors discovered a cancerous tumor wrapped around his spine. The next day, surgeons operated to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
Reportedly, the medical team believed they had removed most of it and planned for him to go through radiation therapy to target any remaining cancer cells.
Before the surgery, Dave’s wife reported that he was in good spirits. Following the surgery, Dave started radiation to address the leftover cancer.
Likewise, he also began rehabilitation to rebuild strength in his legs, as he could not walk on his own at that point.
Despite the challenges, he remained positive and made good progress. Coach Josh provided an update, noting that Dave hoped to leave the hospital around July 20.
A short time later, another update arrived that Dave had been working hard in physical therapy and occupational therapy. In fact, he gradually regained feeling in his leg.
Dave finally left the hospital and returned home. The road to recovery remained long, but he was grateful to be back with his family.
Kimmy Hackman, his niece, shared more about his story on her social media. She explained how the cancer hadn’t responded well to chemotherapy earlier in the year, leading to growth and the spinal tumor that affected his mobility.
She started a fundraiser to help make Dave’s home accessible, as it was not equipped for someone unable to walk. She wrote:
His home Is not handicap accessible and we’re asking for help to offload the financial burden of construction and get him and Cindy back Into their home as quickly as possible!
Kimmy Hackman
Sadly, Dave’s health took a turn for the worse in the week before his passing on September 15, 2025.
Bellmont Boys and Girls Track Facebook page updated about his health condition, saying that he became bedbound, spending much of his time sleeping due to pain medications.
He was often not fully alert during this period. Coach Josh asked the community to keep sending prayers but to respect the family’s privacy by avoiding too many calls or messages.
Nonetheless, on Wednesday afternoon, September 17, 2025, Dave Hakes passed away.
Bellmont Boys and Girls Track page announced the news of his passing and promised to provide further updates on his funeral services.
Mindy Fuelling, one of his friends from high school, commented on the post of his passing, writing:
One of my friends from my high school days. He was a coach and mentor to my youngest. I always teased and questioned his love of the blue and maize team! Deeply missed by many.
Mindy Fuelling
During this ordeal, we pray for the strength of his wife, friends, and extended family.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, Dave Hakes!
