Football: Former Alberta d-back Rhys Coppens dies

Very sad news: Rhys Coppens, a 20-year-old defensive back who was planning to play for Calgary this fall, was killed in Fernie, B.C., last weekend.

Update: The Edmonton Sun reports Coppens "was found in an alley outside a bar in Fernie, B.C. around 2:25 a.m. Sunday ... He was suffering from a number of severe injuries, police said."

Words fail at saying how awful for family and friends to have to lay someone so young and who had such potential to rest. Coppens was a terror in the secondary and on special teams for Alberta when he started in '07 as a 17-year-old straight from St. Francis Xavier in Edmonton. He moved to the CJFL's Vancouver Island Raiders, but was ready to give CIS another go with coach Blake Nill's Dinos.

Condolences to all those who knew him.
Next PostNewer Post Previous PostOlder Post Home

13 comments:

  1. Jody Duplessis3/22/2010 3:53 pm

    RIP Rhys!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rhys you won't be forgotten, Rest in Peace dear friend

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rest in peace Rhys.
    My condolences to the Coppens family.

    ReplyDelete
  4. the memory of your smile will continue to light up this world

    ReplyDelete
  5. R.I.P SUPERMAN.
    You will be missed by all.

    ReplyDelete
  6. ill never forget you, and your smelly shoes, perfect smile and witty jokes. Made you, amazing.
    Love to your and your family

    ReplyDelete
  7. R.I.P. Rhys....You May Be Gone, But Never Forgotten Brother....Condolences From The Vinyl Boys to Jack and The rest of the Coppens Family!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. RIP my friend still can't believe it
    <3

    ReplyDelete
  9. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Coppens Family at this difficult time.......

    ReplyDelete
  10. You have left way too soon - Heaven has certainly gained an AWESOME ANGEL - God Speed Rhys - and our thoughts and prayers are with the family-The Fords

    ReplyDelete
  11. It feels like a dream, like your gonna shoot me a text and say lets do something. Heaven is certainly gonna have there hands full with you big guy, take care from one of the vinyl boys

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dear Rhys you were the best coach i ever had. The things you taught me will never be forgotten, you were a brother and a bestfriend. You will never be forgotten and i hope you are there to watch for the rest of my football career. I hope we get to meet again one day. Love Prather.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ryan Prather4/27/2010 11:14 am

    Dear Rhys, you were not just a coach, you were a champion. Next season is for you, i hope all is well up there for you right now. I hope we get to meet again one day my friend.

    ReplyDelete