Ramapo High School Football Coach Drew Gibbs Dead After Surgery

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — Ramapo High School football coach Drew Gibbs has died after complications from an emergency surgery, Ramapo Indian Hills district officials announced Tuesday.

"We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as you need," said Superintendent Rui Dionisio.

"Our sincere condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved ones. Please join me in offering our thoughts and prayers to the Gibbs family in their time of sorrow."

According to NorthJersey.com, Gibbs collapsed at a Monday football practice, and was taken to Valley Hospital for surgery.

Swiftly, the New Jersey high school football community reacted with immense sorrow to news of the death.

"The Super Football Conference extends its deepest condolences on the passing of Coach Drew Gibbs of Ramapo High School. He was a true gridiron icon in New Jersey, and it's probably impossible to overestimate his positive influence as a teacher, leader, and mentor," the Super Football Conference said, in a statement.

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association also issued a statement:

"Today, New Jersey scholastic sports lost a true legend. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ramapo High School's Head Football Coach Drew Gibbs. He was an educator, a mentor, and a role model, and our condolences go out to all who knew, loved, and were inspired by Coach Gibbs."

But the sadness spread even beyond the football community on Tuesday.

"Today is a very sad day for the Ramapo football community. I send my deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Coach Gibbs on his passing," said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco.

Gibbs had been in the top job at Ramapo since 2001, and coached the team to seven sectional titles with an impressive resume of alumni, including former NFL wide receiver Chris Hogan.

Prior to moving to Ramapo, Gibbs was an assistant coach under Chuck Johnson at Ridgewood High School.

"Thoughts & Prayers to the Gibbs family & Ramapo football community on the passing of Coach Gibbs. Rest In Peace Coach," the Ridgewood football program said.

The team is currently 10-1 with a game against Northern Highlands in the North 1, Group 4 final scheduled for Friday. However, NorthJersey.com reports that the matchup is now "in limbo."