A recently retired Ohio high school coach has died after being struck by lightning while mowing his lawn.
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Joe Pierro, 60, was fatally struck at around 11 a.m. on September 4. The incident came just weeks after he retired from his role at Steubenville High School.
Tributes have since flooded in for Pierro, who spent more than 30 years coaching at the school. He held several positions during his lengthy career.
Lightning Strike Claims Life of Longtime High School Coach
Steubenville High School announced Pierro's death in a statement, describing him as a "longtime teacher, coach, colleague, and friend".
"Yesterday, the Big Red family suffered a tremendous loss with the sudden passing of a man who dedicated so much of his life to serving and inspiring young people," the statement read.
"Joe Pierro was more than a teacher and coach. He was a mentor, a role model, a motivator, and a friend. Through his years in the classroom and on the playing field, Joe helped countless young people learn, grow, compete, overcome challenges, and—most importantly—believe in themselves."
The school said Pierro's influence on his students extended "far beyond wins and losses or lessons taught in a classroom."
"It could be seen in the lives of the students he encouraged, the athletes he coached, the colleagues he supported, and the friendships he formed," the statement added.
"The lessons Joe shared and the example he set will remain with those fortunate enough to have known him."
School Pays Tribute to Joe Pierro's Lasting Legacy
The school said Coach Pierro's legacy will live on through those who knew him and the "countless memories he leaves behind".
"You will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always a part of the Big Red family," the statement concluded.
Pierro's obituary states that he was born in Steubenville in 1966.
He graduated from Steubenville Catholic Central High School in 1985. He then attended West Liberty State College, where he earned a degree in special education.
Pierro also had a long association with baseball, playing for Post 33 and in the Twines softball league.
He is survived by his mother, Shirley Bryan Pierro, his son Michael, and daughter Mia. As well as his brother Anthony, sister Lynda, and extended family members and friends.
According to the National Lightning Safety Council, Pierro is the 14th person to die in a lightning-related incident in the United States in 2026.
