The Newport football program was rocked by tragedy Friday when it was discovered Tim Driver, a stalwart in high school athletics around the area for nearly three decades, had passed away earlier only hours earlier as a result of hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

There was confusion initially when Driver, known for his dedication to youth athletics and education, was not present for warm-ups in preparation of Newport’s 4A KingCo game with Bothell. Coaches were informed of their friend’s passing by school athletic director Gill James as they left the field after the Knights’ 28-24 win.

Driver was the offensive coordinator for Mike Miller’s Knights and also coached girls basketball and softball at Bothell. He was previously a basketball coach at Sammamish High School as well.

“There will never be another Tim,” Teri Helms, a sister of Driver’s said in a statement. “His consistent and faithful efforts to value and put people first will be forever missed.”

There will be a memorial for Driver on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. in the Newport High School gymnasium.