Tim Osborn, the coach of the Jackson Liberty football team has died at the age of 55.

Tim Osborn
Tim Osborn (Ocean County Signal)
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The retired member of the New Jersey State Police died while working out at the Bally's in Brick according to the Ocean County Signal.

"It's really disbelief,'' senior quarterback Bob Davies told All Shore Sports. "It's almost like folkore. He was like this invincible man, especially after the car accident.

Osborn suffered severe injuries in an auto accident last summer but recovered in time to coach the Lions to their first-ever state playoff appearance last season.

A candlelight vigil was held in his honor at the school's football field on Saturday night.

"A mentor and father figure"

In a statement, Jackson Liberty High School Principal Maureen Butler said, "Tim Osborn was a man beyond a teacher and head football coach, but a mentor and father figure for so many students, not only here at Jackson Liberty but the entire shore community.  He went above and beyond for everyone, especially our students and staff, and was an integral part of making Jackson Liberty what it is today.  Our Liberty family is so deeply saddened by his passing and will miss him more than words can express."

He began working at Jackson Liberty when the school opened in 2006. He was also an Athletic Coordinator at the school in addition to being the only head football coach in the school's history.

He was also a history and special education teacher at the school.

Tim was a graduate of Brick Township High School where he played for the legendary Warren Wolf. He was a longtime Brick assistant who later was an assistant at Toms River North before becoming the head coach at Liberty.

Vigil for Tim Osborn at Jackson Liberty
Vigil for Tim Osborn at Jackson Liberty (Twitter)
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Grief counselors will be available at the school on Sunday from 11am to 2pm for students and staff according to the school's website.

 


Statement from From Jackson School District Deputy Superintendent Lu Anne Meinders:

Tim was a dynamic, dedicated teacher and coach who was incredibly passionate about his students and the Jackson community. I had the pleasure of knowing him as a fellow district staff member, but also as a parent of a child who played for him in the inaugural year of the Jackson Liberty High School football program and I can tell you that his vibrant personality and enthusiasm endeared him to so many people, including myself. His loss will be felt by so many of us.

Kevin Williams and the Ocean County Signal contributed to this report


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