Aaron De La Torre Obituary, Death: Aaron De La Torre of Denton, TX Dies by Suicide Following Assault Allegations; Ryan High School’s Respected Coach Passes Amid Controversy
Aaron De La Torre, Ryan High School’s long-time football coach and beloved community figure, tragically died on Tuesday night under circumstances that have shocked and devastated the local community. De La Torre, a highly regarded defensive coordinator for the Raiders football team, took his own life amid recent allegations of assault. His death has left Denton Ryan High School, its staff, students, and the larger Denton community grappling with both grief and confusion.
The news was confirmed on Wednesday morning in an email to parents and staff by Ryan High School Principal Vernon Reeves. The principal expressed the profound sadness felt across the school and the larger Denton ISD community, stating, “It is with great sadness that we share the news of a sudden loss to our Ryan High School family. We learned last night that Aaron De La Torre, one of our football coaches and professors, died abruptly. And, while we don’t know all the facts of his passing, we ask that you remember his family and friends over the next few days.”
De La Torre’s death came shortly after allegations surfaced involving his involvement in an altercation with a 12-year-old boy, which was captured in a viral video on social media. The incident was under investigation by local authorities in Hickory Creek, but police terminated their inquiry after the family of the boy decided not to press charges. Despite the cessation of formal proceedings, the widespread attention and speculation surrounding the video and the accompanying accusations likely contributed to the mounting pressure on De La Torre in his final days.
Aaron De La Torre had been with Ryan High School for seven seasons, serving as its defensive coordinator. His contributions to the school’s football program were widely acknowledged, and he was instrumental in helping the Raiders secure their third state championship in 2020, capturing the 5A Division I crown. De La Torre’s coaching career began after an impressive playing career that saw him start for four years at Stephen F. Austin State University. He briefly played professional football in the NFL and NFL Europe before transitioning into coaching, where his passion for the game and his leadership skills made a significant impact on the many lives he touched, both on and off the field.
Before his time at Ryan, De La Torre was the head coach at Irving High School, where he served from 2012 to 2017. His coaching legacy extended beyond the wins and accolades, as he was known for fostering strong relationships with his players and guiding them both athletically and personally. Many of his former players have spoken out in the wake of his passing, describing him as a mentor who genuinely cared about their well-being and their futures. His influence stretched across generations, leaving a mark that transcended the confines of the football field.
De La Torre was also a devoted family man. He is survived by his two sons, Alex and Kolt, both of whom have followed in their father’s footsteps in the world of football. Alex, his eldest, was a standout player at the University of Texas, earning All-Big 12 honors twice during his collegiate career. He is currently an assistant coach at Wylie East High School. Kolt, the youngest of De La Torre’s sons, plays offensive guard at Stephen F. Austin, continuing the family’s deep connection to the sport.
While De La Torre’s professional accomplishments were vast, the personal challenges he faced in recent months have now come to light. The viral video that depicted the alleged altercation with the 12-year-old boy placed De La Torre in the center of a public controversy. Although the Hickory Creek Police Department ultimately closed the case without filing charges, the damage to De La Torre’s reputation had already been done. The relentless scrutiny from the public and media likely took a toll on him in ways that those closest to him are still trying to comprehend.
At the time of his death, De La Torre had not spoken publicly about the allegations, but those who knew him described him as a man who always strived to do right by others. The outpouring of tributes from his colleagues, players, and friends reveals the depth of the impact he had on the lives of so many. Yet, in the days following the release of the video, De La Torre had reportedly become more withdrawn, leaving many to speculate about the mental and emotional struggles he faced as the controversy unfolded.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to release an official report on the cause of De La Torre’s death, but sources close to the situation have confirmed that he died by suicide. His passing has left a gaping hole in the Ryan High School community, where he was not only seen as a coach but also as a mentor, teacher, and father figure. The football team, in particular, has been hit hard by the loss, as De La Torre was in the midst of preparing for another promising season with the Raiders.
In his email to parents, Principal Vernon Reeves emphasized the importance of supporting the De La Torre family during this incredibly difficult time. He also urged students and staff to reach out to counselors who would be available at the school to help them process the tragic news. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach De La Torre’s family, especially his sons Alex and Kolt, during this time of unimaginable loss,” Reeves wrote. “We know this will be a difficult time for our students, particularly those who were close to Coach De La Torre, and we encourage anyone who needs help to seek it.”
The Denton ISD, where De La Torre had become a well-respected figure over the years, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the circumstances of his death. At the time of publishing, the district had not responded to requests for comment about the situation. However, within the community, there is a growing conversation about the pressures faced by individuals in high-profile positions, particularly in the context of public controversies such as the one that De La Torre found himself in.
For many, De La Torre’s death is a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health, particularly in a society where personal and professional challenges can quickly become public. His friends and family are now left not only to mourn his loss but also to confront the lingering questions surrounding the tragic events that led to his death.
Aaron De La Torre’s legacy in the Denton community and beyond will undoubtedly be shaped by both his contributions to football and the personal struggles he faced. In the days to come, there will likely be continued conversations about the circumstances of his passing, the unresolved questions surrounding the assault allegations, and the impact of the controversy on his mental well-being. But for those who knew him best, the focus will remain on the man they admired, the coach they respected, and the father who devoted his life to his family.
In this moment of grief, the community is left to remember a man who was deeply loved, who gave so much to his profession and his family, but who ultimately could not overcome the personal battles he faced. As the days pass, those who were close to him will continue to grapple with the profound loss of Aaron De La Torre, while also reflecting on the complexity of the circumstances that led to his untimely death. His life, marked by both triumph and tragedy, leaves a lasting imprint on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
