Community mourns Broward school athletic director who died of COVID-19
Jason Stein, the athletic director at J.P. Taravella High School who was widely seen as a father figure and mentor to many at the school, died at age 46 on Thursday due to complications from COVID-19.
Early Thursday afternoon, Taravella High Principal Mary DeArmas tweeted about Stein’s passing due to complications from the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. She also held a virtual “Zoom” conference call Thursday night for those who wanted to pray and mourn Stein’s death together.
Charles Hafley Jr., social sciences teacher and head football coach at Taravella, said Stein’s passing was sudden and that students and players at the school are grieving.
“Every student at J.P. Taravella saw Coach Stein as a teacher, mentor and a father figure,” Hafley said. “They are all taking it hard, but... we are all coming together and forming a stronger family.”
Hafley also said that his own acquaintanceship with Stine had developed into a strong bond over the years.
“It started out as an athletic director and football coach relationship and shortly grew into a mentor and mentee one when it came to teaching,” Hafley said. “He taught me to become a better teacher, husband and dad. It blossomed into a great friendship.”
The South Florida Sun Sentinel spoke to Broward County Athletic Association Director of Athletics and Student Activities Shawn Cerra, who said many in the community have taken the passing of Stein hard.
“There are a lot people in the Taravella community right now that are just devastated by the news,” Cerra told the Sun Sentinel. “He was just a very special individual who, really, the kids connected with, and they knew he was a go-to person for them. They could trust him. I miss him so much.”
Cerra also said Stein had been in the hospital since late July.
Many social media have posted condolences and shared stories of working with Stein.
South Plantation High School Principal Christine Henschel said on Twitter, “My heart is so heavy. Jason was larger than life with a heart to match. A legend that will be deeply missed. Prayers to you and the girls Michelle!”
The Coral Springs Police Department also tweeted about his passing saying, “Coach Stein was a dear friend to our department and many of our Officers. It is with a heavy heart we hear of his passing. Our thoughts and full support are with the students, faculty, and the family of Coach Stein. May he rest in peace.”
Another Twitter user, James Guy, said, “Sad news today on the passing of Coach Stein of Taravella High School. You were a amazing mentor to all the kids you influenced as you time as a coach and athletic director. It was a pleasure to have worked with you.”
This story was originally published August 21, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
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