The Centennial High School community was shocked by the tragedy when 16-year-old Nolan Coffland, a junior and JV football player, died after an ATV crash at 47th Avenue and Cholla Street in Phoenix.
Nolan Coffland was a linebacker for Centennial High School in Peoria, AZ, and was a Junior Varsity football player starting in 2022.
The accident occurred Thursday night when the ATV broke through a metal fence and fell 30 feet into a dry canal.
Nolan and his best friend were taken to the hospital in very critical condition.
Unfortunately, Nolan died from his injuries. His best friend had surgery and remains in critical condition.
The family identified the teen as 16-year-old Nolan Allen Coffland. He is described as a "vibrant and loved son." https://t.co/Rmk5eWOMRB
— 12 News (@12News) February 7, 2025
According to Phoenix Police, the single-vehicle crash involved a side-by-side ATV.
Investigators believe Nolan was driving when he lost control, crashing through a fence and falling several feet down a barrier.
Sgt. Rob Scherer reported that the vehicle went through the fence line and down an embankment before stopping.
Steve Mangum, a resident, expressed concern about the frequent use of off-road vehicles in the area.
‘They’re just buzzing all over. That’s the bigger problem now. Kids love it nowadays because they ride their quads, they ride their motorcycles, they ride their dirt bikes.”
Via MSN
He further stated that such accidents are common, with drivers often spinning out and hitting the curb, and said,
“A lot of times they’ll come around here and they’ll spin out and hit the curbs and knock their tires off. “I hope this spurs some kind of action. Police have been called many times. I know they got their plate full.”
Via MSN
The Day Nolan Died Was His And His Girlfriend’s Four-Month Anniversary
Nolan’s girlfriend, Emory, revealed that she initially believed Nolan was ignoring her on their four-month anniversary.
She said she was at softball practice, expecting him to pick her up, but instead received news of the accident from his cousin.
Emory’s Instagram bio now reads, “Keith Coffland LLN❤️🕊️ i miss you and love you always“.
She also visited the accident site, remembering Nolan, and said,
“His car was his favorite thing. He was really goofy. He’s a really funny guy.”
Via 12News
Flowers and Nolan’s favorite candy now mark the site of the crash as tributes to his memory by his loved ones.
Nolan was the son of Jess Coffland and Keith Coffland. From a statement released by the Coffland family,
“We are without words on his tragic death and continue to pray for his best friend who is fighting for his life’
Via 12News
Moreover, Coffland’s family added,
Nolan was a junior at Centennial High School: a player on the JV football team a straight-A student, an avid fisherman. Nolan loved to work on cars, hang out with his family and friends and loved life tremendously. We are without words on his tragic death and continue to pray for his best friend who is fitting for his life. Services are being planned for our sweet boy who was loved and missed by all,
Nolan’s passing has deeply affected the students and staff at Centennial High School.
“The mood at the school has just been, like, very somber, and everyone’s head was down,” a student said, reflecting the collective grief.
Another student noted the pervasive sadness felt throughout the school. Friends and fellow students have visited the crash site to pay their respects.
Centennial Coyotes Football also paid their tribute and tweeted on Twitter-:
You will be missed, but not forgotten. RIP Coyote 💔@CofflandNolan pic.twitter.com/WpdZkWz5wc
— Centennial Coyotes Football (@Cehsfootball) February 8, 2025
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Nolan’s full name is Nolan Allen Coffland.
- Nolan Coffland, standing 5’8″ and weighing 155lbs, was a Junior Varsity football player in the Class of 2026.
- He also had a brother named Monte Coffland, and he graduated from Centennial in 2024.
