Bakersfield, CA : South High coach dies in single vehicle crash in Northwest Bakersfield on Sunday, 30th October 2016

South High boys basketball coach Brian Carter died Sunday morning in a single-vehicle traffic collision.

According to a Bakersfield Police Department news release, a man was ejected from his vehicle after crashing into a tree just before 9 a.m. Sunday morning.

South High’s athletic director Jim McConnell confirmed later Sunday the victim was Carter.

“It’s a sad day to be a Rebel,” McConnell. “He was well-liked by fellow coaches and athletes. He was a special ed teacher, and (his students) loved him, worshiped him. It’s a really tough day.”

The news began to circulate on social media Sunday afternoon.

“We just had a conversation on Friday. This is unbelievable,” said Wes Davis, Foothill High School’s boys basketball coach. “A very quiet, good guy. Hopefully the local boys basketball coaching boys community can come together.”

According to police, the vehicle appeared to be traveling southbound on Calloway Drive in the northbound lanes when he lost control of the car. Officers were dispatched to the 4800 block of Calloway at 8:39 a.m.

BPD says the investigation is ongoing.

South has had its share of tragedy in recent years. Former Rebels football coach John Wren died in his sleep at age 44 in 2013.

Much like with Carter, it happened shortly before a new season began for his program.

“It’s just so sudden. Circumstances are pretty much the same. We’ve been here before, sadly,” South High football coach Cary Mills said. “He was really well-respected. The kids really liked him. I also had great respect for him.”

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South High coach dies in single vehicle crash