Community comes together after Buffalo coach’s wife dies

BUFFALO, Texas (KBTX) – The community is coming together after Buffalo High School football coach Austin Ashley unexpectedly lost his wife, Amanda Ashley, last week.

KBTX traveled to Buffalo and spoke to Buffalo High School Principal Lu Olvera and Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Jamin Savell about the Ashley family.

Savell said Amanda Ashley was loved by many and had a deep love and devotion to her family.

“She’s a wonderful woman, they (the family) are taking this loss extremely hard because she’s one of those people who’s always had a permanent job offer there (Fairfield High School) because of the impact she’s left on the community and the kids there,” Savell said.

John Bachtel, athletic director at Fairfield High School, where Amanda worked, said: “Amanda was well-liked by everyone at Fairfield and was a person of great character and integrity. Our community grieves for the Ashley family during this time of grief.”

Amanda passed away unexpectedly last week.

Today, her husband and three children are trying to find a solution.

“I can’t imagine what he’s going through and I know we have people reaching out to us saying they’ve reached out to him, I know he’s going to reach out to those people, he’s just dealing with it the best way he can,” Savell said.

Amanda left a lasting legacy.

“What they’ve been able to do for our community so far is they’ve energized it, they’ve gotten kids out of the woodwork to come play again,” Savell said.

A GoFundMe was created to support the Ashleys and has already raised more than $33,000.

Buffalo High School Principal Lu Olvera said for those who would like to support the Ashleys, please pray for the family or donate through GoFundMe here.

Olvera said the outpouring of love from the community is a testament to the character of the family.

“To receive the support that the Ashley family has received is amazing and it shows you what kind of people, as my father-in-law always said, ‘these are good people,’” Olvera said.

The community is also hosting a barbecue fundraiser on July 26 at First Baptist Church Buffalo, which is open to the public to attend and show support.