FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – 1:20 p.m. UPDATE:
Tony Gill, a special education teacher and the head coach of the FCHS Girls’ Basketball Team, was found dead in Gretna on Sunday evening, Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office said.
PCSO said they, along with Gretna Police Department and Virginia State Police, responded to a call around 9:20 p.m. on Sunday regarding a shooting incident at 1344 West Gretna Road. Upon arrival, units found a man dead at the scene who was later identified as 46-year-old Tony Gill.
Authorities said they arrested 52-year-old James Mattox at the scene without incident. He has been charged with murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Law enforcement confirmed that Gill and Mattox knew each other.
Gill was transported to the medical examiner to rule on the cause and manner of death.
This incident is still under investigation, and authorities are looking to identify and interview witnesses in this case. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office Division of Investigations at (434) 432-7715, or call CrimeStoppers at (434) 791-0044.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Franklin County High School announced on Monday that Tony Gill, a special education teacher and the head coach of the FCHS Girls’ Basketball Team, has passed away.
FCHS released a full statement on their Facebook regarding Gill’s passing:
To the FCHS Eagle Family,
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Mr. Tony Gill, a beloved Special Education teacher and the Head Coach of our Girls’ Basketball Team at Franklin County High School.
Mr. Gill was more than an educator and coach-he was a mentor, role model, and friend to countless scholars, staffulty members, and families within our school community. His passion for teaching and coaching was matched only by his dedication to the growth and well-being of every scholar he encountered. Whether in the classroom or on the court, Mr. Gill led with integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
His legacy will live on in the lives of the many scholars he inspired and the colleagues who had the privilege to work alongside him. We mourn this tremendous loss together and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, scholars, and all who were touched by his life.
Counselors and support staff will be available today, July 28, until Thursday, July 31, from 10 am to 2 pm in the Phelps Student Services building for scholars and staffulty who may need someone to talk to during this difficult time.
Love Always,
Reyhan Deskins, Principal of Franklin County High School
Dr. Kevin Siers, the superintendent of Franklin County Public Schools, also released a statement to 10 News following Gill’s death:
We at Franklin County Public Schools were devastated to learn about Coach Gill’s death over the weekend. He was a talented educator and a dedicated coach whose presence at Franklin County High School will be missed terribly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his close friends and family as they attempt to process this tragedy.
Dr. Kevin Siers, Superintendent