Goodrich Basketball Coach Mourns Assistant Coach’s Sudden Death

FLINT – Gary Barns, the boys basketball coach at Goodrich High School, achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday with his 500th career victory. However, this accomplishment was overshadowed by the tragic and unexpected death of Kres Washington, an assistant coach on the junior varsity team. Washington had been volunteering at Oaktree Elementary in the Goodrich school district when he passed away.

Kres Washington was just one day away from celebrating his 51st birthday. According to Barns, he was reading to the kids in the library around 10-10:30 a.m. when he suddenly collapsed and passed away. The entire school community was deeply shocked and saddened by the loss.

Tragedy Strikes Goodrich Program

Unfortunately, Washington’s death marks the third tragedy that has struck the Goodrich basketball program in recent weeks. In December, the father of Goodrich player Landon Brown passed away, followed by the loss of Kathleen Schollar, a longtime scorekeeper for both the boys and girls teams.

Gary Barns, who has been coaching at Goodrich for many years, expressed his disbelief and sorrow at the series of tragedies that have occurred. He shared that he has never experienced such a difficult period in his coaching career. Barns himself had also faced personal loss when his son David, a Goodrich assistant coach, passed away from cancer in 2012 at the age of 40.

Remembering Kres Washington

Kres Washington was not only an assistant basketball coach but also coached a seventh-grade team at Goodrich last season. He was actively involved in the school community and was also a football coach.

According to Barns, Washington appeared to be in good health. He had even visited his doctor the day before his passing and assured Barns that everything was fine. On the day of his death, Washington had taken a vacation day from his job in an auto factory to volunteer as a “watch dog” at the middle school. This role involved reading to students and spending time with them during recess.

Community Grieves the Loss

News of Kres Washington’s untimely death spread quickly, and condolences poured in from all over the state. Barns described him as one of the most popular and well-loved individuals in Flint. Washington had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and respected.

The Goodrich football program, where Washington had been actively involved, expressed their condolences on Twitter. They acknowledged his significant contributions to the team and the community, emphasizing the lasting impact he had made on the lives of many.

Kres Washington’s sudden passing has left a deep void in the Goodrich basketball program and the wider community. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, contagious laughter, and his unwavering support for the students he coached. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

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