On Wednesday, a mass school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School near Parkland, Florida took the lives of 17 students and staff, including Aaron Feis, a heroic Assistant Football Coach who lived his life inspiring and encouraging students and athletes.
Amid the shooting, Feis used his bravery to shield students from the shooter’s attack. The Daily Beast reports that he jumped between students and the gunman, using his body to protect them from any harm.
While the Sun-Sentinel reports that Feis was one of the several victims who lost their lives on Wednesday, Feis didn’t just die a hero—his students, family and friends say he lived his life as role model to his students and community.
Colton Haas, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student and a member of the school’s football team, told CNN that Feis “made sure everyone else’s needs were met before his own. He was a hard worker.”
“He worked after school on the weekends, mowing lawns, just helping out as many people as possible. [He was] very friendly, approachable and very selfless,” Haas said. It’s no wonder that continued to help students in their ultimate time of need—because Feis was truly an altruistic individual.
However, Feis wasn’t just a courageous coach. Feis was a family man, a mentor, a Douglas High School alumnus, a security guard and an overall exceptional human being. Scott Israel, Broward County Sheriff, told TIME during a press conference, “The kids in this community loved him. They adored him. He was one of the greatest people I knew. He was a phenomenal man. When Aaron Feis died, when he was killed — tragically, inhumanely — he did it protecting others. You can guarantee that because that’s who Aaron Feis was.”
The Douglas football team echoed a similar emotional message on their Twitter account, “It is with Great sadness that our Football Family has learned about the death of Aaron Feis. He was our Assistant Football Coach and security guard. He selflessly shielded students from the shooter when he was shot. He died a hero, and he will forever be in our hearts and memories.”
It is with Great sadness that our Football Family has learned about the death of Aaron Feis. He was our Assistant Football Coach and security guard. He selflessly shielded students from the shooter when he was shot. He died a hero and he will forever be in our hearts and memories pic.twitter.com/O181FvuHl3
— MS Douglas Football (@MSDEagles) February 15, 2018
Feis was an extraordinary family-centered person, as The Sentinel notes, he was happily married to his wife Melissa and also had a young daughter. The Douglas High School shooter didn’t just take Feis—he took him, and the other victims, from his family, friends and loved ones.
While members of the Broward County will continue to draw inspiration from Feis’ exceptional character and life, KTLA5 News reports that victims and families are still suffering from the Douglas shooting.
To help victims recovering from this devastating act of violence, consider donating to Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund.