The community of Corpus Christi, Texas is mourning the loss of Leyton Hernandez, a teacher and multi-sport coach at Veterans Memorial High School, who died following a two-car accident Friday afternoon while traveling outside the Coastal Bend region. He was 28.
According to a statement released by the Corpus Christi Independent School District, Hernandez had been in his fifth year as a teacher and coach at Veterans Memorial High School. During that time, he made a significant impact on students both in the classroom and through athletics, earning the respect of colleagues and admiration from the many young people he mentored.
Hernandez is survived by his father, Roland Hernandez, superintendent of Corpus Christi ISD, his mother, Cynthia Hernandez, and his sister, Lauren Stinson. District officials extended condolences to the family, noting that the loss has been deeply felt across the school community.
In response to the tragedy, the school district announced that crisis counseling services will be available for students and staff when campuses reopen Monday. District leaders said the support services are intended to help the school community cope with the sudden loss of a respected educator and mentor.
Hernandez was a graduate of W. B. Ray High School, where he was known as a standout student-athlete recognized for both his leadership and competitive spirit. He later attended Texas State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2020. During his time at the university, he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and remained active in the university’s athletic community.
Friends and colleagues also recalled Hernandez’s deep love for football, a passion he shared with his father. For nine years, the pair maintained a tradition of attending the Texas state football championship game together, reflecting their shared enthusiasm for the sport.
The Hernandez family has asked for privacy as they grieve. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Leave a Reply