Dartmouth’s most successful head football coach of all time, Eugene F. “Buddy” Teevens, passed away on Tuesday as a result of injuries sustained in a bicycle accident, confirmed by the college.
He was 66 years old.
Teevens’ demise follows a tragic incident six months ago when he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in Florida. The accident left him grappling with a “challenging” spinal cord injury and necessitated the amputation of his right leg. Regrettably, he succumbed to these injuries, as announced by his family.
In a statement shared by Dartmouth, the Teevens family expressed their heartbreak: “Our family is deeply saddened to announce the peaceful passing of our beloved ‘coach.’ Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained proved insurmountable.”
They further stated, “Throughout this journey, we consistently conveyed the thoughts, memories, and love that were sent his way. Your kindness and words of encouragement did not go unnoticed and were greatly appreciated by both Buddy and our family. We are confident and find solace in the knowledge that he departed this world knowing how deeply he was loved and admired.”
The Dartmouth football team received the news during their practice on Tuesday evening, with interim head coach Sammy McCorkle and Mike Harrity, Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation at the school, informing them. Support resources were also made available to help the team cope with the loss, according to Dartmouth.
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In an email to the Dartmouth community, Harrity and Dartmouth President Sian Leah Beilock expressed their condolences: “This is a tragic loss for Dartmouth and the entire football community. Buddy was not only synonymous with Dartmouth football, but he was also a beloved coach and an innovative, inspirational leader who positively impacted the lives of generations of students.”
The team is scheduled to play against Lehigh University on Saturday at Memorial Field. A moment of silence will precede the game, followed by a remembrance gathering in honor of Teevens.
