Beloved U.S. Cheerleading Coach Killed In Explosion

Alex Perkins, a beloved cheerleading coach, was one of two employees killed in an industrial plant explosion in Janesville.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:36pm

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An extreme close-up of a twisted, charred metal fragment from an industrial explosion, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a black background, conceptually illustrating the tragic consequences of workplace accidents.The aftermath of a fatal industrial explosion exposes the grim reality of workplace safety issues.Beloit Today

A beloved U.S. cheerleading coach named Alex Perkins was killed in a horrific industrial plant explosion at NaturPak in Janesville, Wisconsin earlier this week. Perkins was known as 'Coach L' and was described as a person 'full of light' who had a big impact on the lives of young cheerleaders. The other person killed in the explosion was identified as 55-year-old Roberto Martinez of Beloit.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of Alex Perkins, a well-respected and beloved figure in the U.S. cheerleading community, has deeply impacted those whose lives he touched. His death highlights the dangers that industrial workers can face and the devastating impact such accidents can have on families and communities.

The details

According to reports, Perkins was one of two employees killed in the explosion at the NaturPak industrial plant in Janesville. Perkins had moved from Ohio to Wisconsin in 2011 and was a founding member of a local cheerleading program that he helped build to where it is today. He was known for his positive energy and willingness to go above and beyond for the young cheerleaders he coached.

  • The explosion occurred earlier this week on March 27, 2026.

The players

Alex Perkins

A beloved U.S. cheerleading coach known as 'Coach L' who was killed in the industrial plant explosion.

Roberto Martinez

A 55-year-old employee from Beloit who was also killed in the industrial plant explosion.

Michael Mathos

Perkins' brother, who described him as a person 'full of light' who always wore his heart on his sleeve.

Ashley McMullin

A close friend of Perkins who said he was a founding member of their cheerleading program and had impacted so many young lives.

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What they’re saying

“He is a person that's full of light. The moment he walks into the room, you are immediately drawn to his light, his persona. You see everything about him. He always wore his heart on his sleeve and would give his shirt off of his back to make sure that you were always taken care of.”

— Michael Mathos, Perkins' brother

“In 2020, we opened our own facility and he was one of the founding members that built our program to where it is today. He has impacted so many young lives along with their parents. And so kind of feeling that in the community has been hard, too, to maneuver through the impact that he made on all of these lives.”

— Ashley McMullin, Close friend of Perkins

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the cause of the industrial explosion that claimed the lives of Alex Perkins and Roberto Martinez. The community is mourning the loss of Perkins, who was a beloved figure in the local cheerleading scene.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Alex Perkins, a cheerleading coach known for his positive impact on young athletes, underscores the risks that industrial workers face and the devastating ripple effects such accidents can have on tight-knit communities. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched.