Troy Shaffer, an assistant football coach at Benedictine College Preparatory in Goochland County, Virginia, has died. School officials confirmed the coach’s passing after he failed to show up for practice on Wednesday morning.
According to Benedictine Schools of Richmond, Shaffer died sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, August 4 and 5. When he did not arrive for the scheduled team practice, staff grew concerned. Chesterfield County Police later contacted the school to inform them of his death.
School Community Mourns the Loss
The news hit hard across the Benedictine campus. Once players learned what had happened, all remaining activities for the day were called off.
Head Football Coach Kurt Von Bargen delivered the difficult news to the team, joined by Vice President of Mission Del Smith and Director of Campus Ministry Deacon V.J. Petillo, who offered support to students processing the sudden loss.
In a statement released to the media, the school expressed sorrow over losing a valued member of its faculty and coaching staff. Administrators said they had no further details to share at this time and asked for prayers for Shaffer’s family as the school community focuses on supporting students and staff through the grief.
Community Reaction Pours In
Word of Shaffer’s death spread quickly online, with alumni, parents and community members leaving messages of condolence on social media. Several commenters described him as a beloved figure who left a lasting impression on students and colleagues alike. One alumna from the class of 1982 offered prayers for his family and the wider Benedictine community, while others called him a great man who will be deeply missed.
The outpouring of support reflects how connected Shaffer was to the Benedictine family, a private Catholic college preparatory school known for its close-knit community and long-standing traditions.
Coaches and mentors at institutions like Benedictine often become fixtures in students’ lives well beyond the football field, guiding them both athletically and personally.
As of now, the exact cause of death has not been released, and police have not indicated whether foul play is suspected. Benedictine officials say counseling and support resources are being made available to students and staff who need help coping with the loss.
The school has not announced funeral or memorial service details, though updates are expected in the coming days. Community members are encouraged to keep the Shaffer family, along with the coaching staff and student athletes, in their thoughts during this difficult time.
8News will continue to follow this story as more information becomes available.
