DHS assistant softball coach loses battle following heart attack

By Bruce Whetten
The Daily Dispatch
Published/Last Modified on Thursday, July 17, 2008 3:09 PM MDT


Douglas High School assistant softball coach David Ybarra passed away Wednesday in Phoenix as a result of complications from a heart attack he suffered in April prior to the Lady Bulldogs regional playoff game with Amphi.


Douglas High School’s assistant softball coach David Ybarra, shown above celebrating with his team following a win, passed away Wednesday in Phoenix. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Ybarra, 52, had been an assistant coach to Abe Grijalva the last four years.

Details for Ybarra’s funeral are not yet available.

Ybarra reportedly had a massive heart attack and had undergone treatment at the Tucson Heart Hospital. Last month he was moved to a Phoenix area hospital where he was undergoing additional treatment.

Family and friends close to the Ybarra’s say David had been showing tremendous improvement and they are stunned by Wednesday’s news surrounding his death.

Following Ybarra’s heart attack there was some discussion amongst the team members as to whether or not they should continue playing in the 4A state playoffs or end their season.

The team decided to continue on and played a remarkable first round game beating Mohave 3-1 on its field in the first round.

Players and coaches for Douglas wore wrist bands with words “Dave 5” printed on them. Ybarra’s daughter Stephanie, a senior captain with the team, did not make the trip to Bullhead City choosing to remain with her family in Tucson.

The emotional toll of everything caught up with the Lady Bulldogs in the next round as they fell 10-1 to Cottonwood Mingus ending the year 20-11.

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    Abrigo Famiy wrote on Jul 20, 2008 6:36 PM:

    " Our condolences go out from our family to yours. David Sr. was a man of respect. He always had a smile on face no matter what. His children were all respectful to everyone they came across. No words can ever heal the pain that you are feeling at this time. The Douglas community has lost one fine man. R.I.P. David. "

    Lacey Aguilar Family wrote on Jul 18, 2008 4:52 PM:

    " My prayers are with the Ybarra family: Liz, Bernie, David Jr, Josh and Steph. He was so proud of his family, and raised very intelligent and respectful kids. Dave was my coach for most of my softball career. Thank you Dave for all you've taught me. You will always be in my heart. Rest In Peace. "

    MANUEL LOYOLA wrote on Jul 18, 2008 12:47 PM:

    " "I'm sorry Stephanie. I can't find the words to express the pain we all feel, but do know this, we Douglas students will not forget Mr. David Ybarra, he was a great friend and coach. We will remember him." "

    Flores Family Willcox wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:22 AM:

    " Our Thoughts and prayers are with the Ybarra family. We will miss our good friend David. He was a wonderful father and friend. "

Write a Comment

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. They review submitted comments periodically during the day for offensive or off-topic content before posting. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Douglas Dispatch is not liable for messages from third parties.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
* Personal Information (phone numbers, addresses, etc.)

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in douglasdispatch.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the Douglas Dispatch. The Douglas Dispatch does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized Douglas Dispatch spokespersons.

Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

(optional)
   









Contact Us

Email the Editor
530 11th Street (85607)
P.O. Drawer H
Douglas, AZ 85608
tel: 520.364.3424
fax: 520.364.6750