North Texas basketball director Nelson Haggerty dies after single-car crash
North Texas basketball director Nelson Haggerty died on Friday morning in a single-vehicle crash, the school announced.
He was 47.
— Mean Green Sports (@MeanGreenSports) April 16, 2021
“Our hearts hurt for Nelson’s family, our men’s basketball family, the UNT community and everyone Nelson positively impacted during his life and career,” North Texas athletic director Wren Baker wrote on Twitter. “Nelson had many positive gifts and talents. He was full of positive energy and encouragement and he will be missed dearly.”
Haggerty, according to WFAA, crashed around 2:30 a.m. on Friday morning near Decatur, Texas, after his vehicle left the right side of the road and struck a culvert. The car reportedly overturned and crashed through a fence. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Houston-area native joined the Mean Green before the 2019 season following an eight-year stint with Midwestern State, where he compiled a 155-87 record and reached five NCAA Division II tournaments. He is the fastest coach in school history to reach 100 wins, and has the third-most wins in program history.
"With heavy hearts, the MSU Texas Athletics family grieves the passing of one of our own," Midwestern State athletic director Kyle Williams said, via the Wichita Falls Times Record News. "Nelson's positive influence led to great success for our basketball program which reflected on our school and community. He made a great impact not only coaching but as a true mentor to his student-athletes. His teams added to the great legacy of winning basketball at Midwestern State."
Haggerty played at Baylor from 1991-95, and averaged 5.8 points and 7.1 assists throughout his career with the Bears.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Baylor alum and @MeanGreenMBB assistant coach Nelson Haggerty 🙏
RIP @CoachHagg12 pic.twitter.com/t1KSEeouiC— Baylor Basketball (@BaylorMBB) April 16, 2021
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