Crime & Bullying Prevention

High school coach in Texas accused of sexual abuse takes his own life

Richard Jorgensen, softball coach at The Woodlands High School, allegedly assaulted one of his players.
April 18, 2016

The softball coach at a high school in The Woodlands, Texas, has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being accused of sexually abusing one of his players.

The Houston Chronicle reports that Richard Jorgensen, 54, was being sought in connection with the allegations when his body was found Thursday night in his truck on a desolate road near Port Arthur.

One of the girls on the softball team at The Woodlands High School had accused Jorgensen of assault. In an affidavit, the student alleged that Jorgensen kissed and touched her inappropriately on several occasions and then tried to have intercourse with her at his Woodlands home, but she said no.

Before the warrant was issued, Conroe Independent School District officials escorted Jorgensen from The Woodlands campus and placed him on administrative leave.

Jorgensen coached the softball team to a state title with a 44-1 record in 2011.

Video from KTRK-TV:

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy, senior editor, has written for AS&U on a wide range of educational issues since 1999.

Sign up for American School & University Newsletters