PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. — The Peachtree City community and J.C. Booth Middle School are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Coach Dave Edinger, the school’s 7th and 8th grade girls’ basketball coach, who passed away earlier this week in what authorities have confirmed was an apparent suicide. His death has left students, staff, and families reeling from the loss of a man whose compassion, energy, and mentorship shaped countless young lives.
Coach Edinger was more than a teacher of basketball — he was a mentor who inspired confidence, teamwork, and perseverance in his players. Known for his ability to connect with students on a personal level, he often reminded them that the lessons learned on the court applied to life: resilience, respect, and self-belief. “Dave had a gift for reaching students,” said one colleague. “He cared about their happiness, their growth, and their sense of belonging.”
At J.C. Booth Middle School, Edinger’s presence extended beyond coaching duties. He was a familiar face in the hallways, offering encouragement and humor to students who needed it most. Parents and former players described him as patient, uplifting, and endlessly supportive — the kind of coach who stayed after practice to help perfect a jump shot or offer words of wisdom to a struggling student. His loss has left a void that the entire school community feels deeply.
In the wake of his passing, grief counselors have been made available at the school to provide support to students, staff, and families. Social media has filled with heartfelt tributes, as parents and alumni shared memories of his laughter, generosity, and unwavering dedication to the young people he coached. “He believed in every child who stepped onto that court,” one parent wrote. “He made them feel like they mattered.”
Beyond his career, Coach Edinger was a devoted husband, father, and friend, remembered for his warm smile, gentle nature, and steadfast faith. His life was marked by service — to his family, his students, and his community. Even in his quiet moments, he radiated kindness and integrity, qualities that endeared him to all who knew him.
As Peachtree City grieves, community leaders are also urging awareness around mental health. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call or text for anyone in distress. Though Coach Edinger’s life ended far too soon, his legacy — one of leadership, love, and lifelong impact — will continue to echo through the halls of J.C. Booth Middle School and in the hearts of those he inspired.
