Beloved Hartford Basketball Coach Reggie Hatchett Dies at 47

Hatchett led Weaver High to three straight state championship games, winning the title in 2015.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:37pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors, with blurred basketball players' figures and movement captured in a burst of energy and emotion.The legacy of beloved Hartford basketball coach Reggie Hatchett lives on through the countless young lives he impacted over his decades-long career.Hartford Today

Reggie Hatchett, the former boys basketball coach at Weaver High School in Hartford, Connecticut, died on Thursday at the age of 47 due to complications from diabetes and chronic heart failure. Hatchett had a successful coaching career, leading Weaver to three straight state championship games from 2014-2016 and winning the Class M title in 2015. He also worked at the Boys & Girls Club of Hartford and coached AAU and youth teams, impacting thousands of kids in the community.

Why it matters

Hatchett was a beloved figure in the Hartford community, known for his dedication to mentoring and supporting young athletes. His passing is a significant loss for the city, as he played a crucial role in restoring pride and success to the Weaver High basketball program while also working to keep kids off the streets and focused on their education and personal development.

The details

Hatchett graduated from Weaver High in 1997 and later returned to coach the boys basketball team, compiling a 121-51 record over seven seasons. He led the Beavers to three straight state championship games from 2014-2016, winning the Class M title in 2015 - the school's first state championship since 2007. Hatchett also worked as the director of sports, fitness and recreation at the Boys & Girls Club of Hartford, and coached AAU and youth teams, impacting thousands of kids in the community.

  • Hatchett coached the Weaver High boys basketball team from 2014 to 2016.
  • Weaver won the Class M state championship in 2015 under Hatchett's leadership.
  • Hatchett passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2026 at the age of 47.

The players

Reggie Hatchett

The former boys basketball coach at Weaver High School in Hartford, Connecticut, who led the team to three straight state championship games and won the Class M title in 2015.

Shawn Bell

The current Weaver High boys basketball coach.

Derrick Butter Small

Hatchett's assistant coach through the championship run with Weaver.

Keisha Smith

Hatchett's fiancée, with whom he moved to Georgia five years ago.

Candace Smith

Keisha Smith's sister.

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What they’re saying

“I haven't even posted anything yet (on social media) because I don't know what to say.”

— Shawn Bell, Current Weaver High boys basketball coach

“He was really big in the community. He knew mostly everybody and everybody knew him. He brought a little bit of the pride back that we had in the early '90s back in my day (at Weaver).”

— Derrick Butter Small, Hatchett's assistant coach

“The boys have said that's probably the most comforting thing for them right now is everybody's telling stories about their dad, as a coach, things he did. Lots of people have been reaching out to Keisha and the boys. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming.”

— Candace Smith, Keisha Smith's sister

“We've restored some of that pride. We can bring back that storied tradition by chipping away at some of the negativity all around. Jaecee and Chalyn Martin are members of the National Honor Society. KeAndre (Fair) is in the Honor Society. Andre (Lyons) probably is going to be next year. These guys aren't thugs and gangsters. These guys focused on being the best student athletes they can be.”

— Reggie Hatchett

“He was a North End legend in basketball. Especially in AAU, he had all the kids from Weaver and the North End. He was into it big time but his thing wasn't just basketball, he was trying to keep these kids off the streets.”

— Eric Crawford, Director of the CREC Family Resource Center

What’s next

A GoFundMe has been set up to cover Reggie Hatchett's funeral expenses and to help support his fiancée Keisha Smith and their two sons Benjamin and Azir. The fundraiser had raised over $8,500 as of Friday afternoon.

The takeaway

Reggie Hatchett's passing is a profound loss for the Hartford community, as he was a beloved figure who dedicated his life to mentoring and supporting young athletes. His impact extended far beyond basketball, as he worked tirelessly to keep kids off the streets and focused on their education and personal development. Hatchett's legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of Hartford youth.