Longtime Baseball Coach Tony Dimitri Mourned at Candlelight Vigil

Communities gather to honor Dimitri's legacy after his tragic accident

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Multiple communities in Columbus, Georgia came together on Thursday night for a candlelight vigil to mourn the life and legacy of longtime baseball coach and teacher Tony Dimitri. Dimitri, who coached baseball and taught physical education at Harris County High School, passed away after an accident involving a utility task vehicle on January 24th.

Why it matters

Dimitri was a beloved figure in the local sports community, having coached baseball at Harris County High School as well as his alma mater, Jordan Vocational High School, where he led the Red Jacket baseball team to the state playoffs seven times during his 10-year tenure. His sudden passing has deeply impacted the lives of his players, colleagues, and the broader community.

The details

Teammates, players, coaches and friends of Dimitri gathered at Jordan Vocational High School's baseball diamond for the candlelight vigil to honor his memory. Dimitri had worked in a similar role at Jordan prior to joining Harris County, where he continued to make a lasting impact on the lives of student-athletes.

  • Dimitri passed away on January 24, 2026 after an accident involving a utility task vehicle.
  • The candlelight vigil was held on Thursday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Tony Dimitri

A longtime baseball coach and physical education teacher who worked at both Harris County High School and his alma mater, Jordan Vocational High School, where he led the baseball team to the state playoffs seven times.

Jordan Vocational High School

Dimitri's alma mater, where he previously coached the Red Jacket baseball team to the state playoffs seven times during his 10-year tenure.

Harris County High School

The school where Dimitri coached baseball and taught physical education at the time of his passing.

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The takeaway

The candlelight vigil held for Tony Dimitri demonstrates the profound impact he had on the lives of student-athletes and the broader sports community in Columbus, Georgia. His legacy as a beloved coach and educator will continue to inspire those he mentored and the communities he served.