Coach Dies in Freak Accident: Marion Adams Impaled While Riding Bike

A beloved California high school coach died Wednesday in a tragic accident that left him impaled on a parking lot barrier outside his stadium.

Marion Adams, 59, had reportedly turned and waved goodbye to a student as he peddled out of the parking lot on his bicycle when he collided with a large yellow car-park barrier. Adams was impaled on the pole which went several inches into his stomach reports CBS Sacramento.

Students quickly circled their teacher, attempting to keep him conscious until paramedics arrived. Marion was subsequently rushed to Mercy San Juan Hospital where despite surviving two emergency surgeries he eventually succumbed to his injury, dying from internal bleeding later that day.

Special: Is Obama to Blame For High Gas Prices? Vote in Urgent Poll.

Following the death of the much-admired track and football coach at Rio Linda High School in Sacramento County, dozens of faculty members and students were excused from school, having been traumatized by the loss.

"This was a terrible loss, not just to those connected to the school but to the entire community. Marion was a man of solid strength and very good-natured. A man of honor who put 100% into improving our world by teaching our children both on the field and off," said Mark Manning, president of the Rio Linda Knights supporters club.

"Marion was the most popular and nicest man on campus; just a great guy," Mike Morris, the school's athletic director, told the Sacramento Bee. "It's a huge loss, devastating to our community. He's an example of how great Rio Linda is as a school and community. This place meant everything to him."

An extreme San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan, Adams was known for covering his house in the teams' colors. Adams also reportedly spent his own money to keep alive a local community football league. The jovial coach was also known for his one liners.

He was remembered at a vigil at the school Wednesday night, with hundreds in attendance.

Adams is survived by his wife Kathy, son Joe and daughter Sarah, two grandchildren, his mother, Edith, and seven siblings: David, Steve, Janice, Caroline, Betty, Lorraine and Mark.

Editor’s Note: Get the Emergency Radio, It's a Must Have; Free With Special Offer.

Related links:

Joe Paterno, Winningest Coach in Major College Football, Dies at 85

Ex-University of Texas Coach Darrell Royal Dies at Age 88