Harris County is waking up to a quiet that doesn’t feel right. Tony Dimitri, a well‑loved baseball coach and teacher at Harris County High School, died Saturday after a side‑by‑side utility terrain vehicle crashed in Georgia. The sheriff’s office says a friend who was driving is now charged with first‑degree vehicular homicide and driving under the influence.
People around town are still talking about how Coach Dimitri could light up a field or a classroom. He wasn’t just the physical education teacher; he was the heart of his baseball program, pouring energy into young players and winning respect from colleagues and families alike. His time here touched dozens of lives beyond scores and stats.
The crash happened over the weekend in rural Hamilton, not far from campus, when the side‑by‑side UTV they were riding overturned. Officials say Darrell Guthrey, 44, was behind the wheel. Investigators believe alcohol was involved, and charges were swiftly filed. More details on exactly how the wreck unfolded have not been released.
Friends, former students and fellow coaches have been sharing memories of Dimitri online. One post from his own team said he gave everything he had to the kids who wore the Tigers jersey, calling him a leader, a mentor and a role model. For many in the community, he was the kind of coach who pushed harder on character than on batting averages.
Before his years at Harris County, Dimitri coached at Jordan Vocational High School in Columbus and guided teams to state playoff appearances. People remember him not just for wins and losses but for the way he met young athletes where they were, challenged them, and never gave up on them, on or off the diamond.
Plans are underway to honor his life. A candlelight vigil is set for Thursday at the Jordan Baseball Field so teammates, friends and families can gather, share stories and support one another. Across social media, the thread of grief is woven with gratitude for the way he lived his life.
Law enforcement continues investigating the crash, and charges against Guthrey highlight the seriousness of the incident. Meanwhile, in hallways and ballparks from Harris County to Columbus, people are remembering a coach who tried to make everyone around him better.
