An Omaha man, David Hawkins, was killed in a car crash early on the morning of June 22 in Pottawattamie County, Iowa.
According to the sheriff’s office, a deputy saw Hawkins’ car, a 2021 Mercedes, swerving across the centerline on Highway 92 near Hope Lane.
When the deputy tried to pull him over, Hawkins drove off, trying to get away.
Hawkins’ car eventually went off the road and into a ditch, crashing hard. Emergency crews arrived and tried to save him, but he died at the scene.
Hawkins, 44, also known as “Digger,” was a well-known soccer coach. He had worked for Gretna Public Schools, coaching the girls’ soccer team from 2016 to 2021.
He also coached at Creighton University, Bellevue University, Midland University, and Millard North High School.
Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of The Soccer Coach
Debbie Gorrie said it’s hard to believe Digger is gone and hopes he’s reunited with his beloved parents, who loved him deeply. She wished him peace in the afterlife.
R.I.P Digger Hawkins can’t actually believe it. May you meet your lovely mum and dad in the afterlife they loved you so much
Debbie Gorrie
Even the GoFundMe page shared that the last few years of Digger Hawkins’ life were especially tough.
Losing his mother, whom he was very close to, was heartbreaking and deeply affected him.
Not long after, he also faced another painful loss when he was let go from the soccer club he had worked so hard to build.
These events deeply affected him, and he was never quite the same afterward.
Nicole Wenzl shared that out of all the mentors she’s had, managers and coaches alike, Digger stood out the most.
He helped her fall in love with the game and pushed her to always work hard, stay positive, and play with good sportsmanship.
He spent extra time working with her one-on-one, helping her master control and technique through tough, focused training sessions.
…He was honest, never sugarcoated anything, and gave everything he had to the sport and to the people he cared about.
Nicole Wenzl
He had nicknames for me—“Determination Diva,” “Nicki Minaj,” and the one who “played like a boy.” He made soccer fun. And more than that, he taught me life lessons I carry with me to this day. On and off the field, he helped shape who I am. I was, he believed, the first player he coached who went on to coach college soccer—and he was a huge reason for that.
I’m endlessly grateful to have had him as a coach and mentor. He truly was the best.
It breaks my heart to know he’s gone and how things happened. But I will always remember him for the good and the incredible impact he had on my life.
There is truly no one like him.
You will be deeply missed, Digger.
Similarly, Joe Rauth shared how heartbroken he feels over the loss of his friend, Digger Hawkins.
He believes Digger is in heaven, surrounded by the legacy he left behind, especially all the players who discovered their love for soccer through his camps and teams.
Joe says Gretna soccer owes Digger a great deal and prays that he is welcomed into peace.
Crushed at the loss of my friend, Digger Hawkins. We are all flawed individuals, and no one knows the demons we each seek to hide. We hope that we are each judged by the totality of the work we have done on earth. Digger is in heaven because the sheer number of players that started their love of “the beautiful game” in one of his camps or teams. An award-winning coach, a remarkable man, and a good friend. Gretna soccer owes you a huge debt of gratitude. May God greet you and take you home. I will miss you.
Joe Rauth
Rest in peace, Coach Digger Hawkins!
