Bill Wolfe Jr., an elementary school wrestling coach in Shippensburg, Pa., was killed in Sunday’s mass shooting in Las Vegas, the Shippensburg Police Department confirmed Tuesday.
An official from the department said police in the southcentral Pennsylvania community were notified of his death by Mr. Wolfe’s family and the family of his wife, Robyn.
“It is with the most of broken hearts, the families of Bill Wolfe Jr. and his wife Robyn share that Bill has been confirmed to be among the deceased as a result of the mass attack in Las Vegas. Please continue to hold our entire family as well as those affected across the nation in your unending prayers,” read a statement posted by the police department on Facebook.
The police department declined to comment further.
Mr. Wolfe’s condition was unknown until Tuesday. The Shippensburg Area School District’s wrestling team, which represents elementary, middle and high school students, indicated that Mr. Wolfe’s wife is safe.
On behalf of our family and all Pennsylvanians, our hearts go out to the Wolfe family and the entire Shippensburg community. https://t.co/Bb72aGwmsy
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) October 3, 2017
Bill Wolfe Jr. was a beloved husband & coach. Losing him is a tragedy. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, & the Ship community.
— Senator Pat Toomey (@SenToomey) October 3, 2017
Shippensburg varsity wrestling coach Tony Yaniello, who has known Mr. Wolfe and his wife for seven years, said Mr. Wolfe had been "so supportive" of youth sports. Mr. Wolfe was the elementary coach for about three years, Mr. Yaniello said, and also coached little league baseball.
"Wrestling is like no other sport. The camaraderie you get with the family and kids is so special, and Bill was like that," Mr. Yaniello said by phone Tuesday. "What a guy. A down to earth, lovable, great help to the kids and the parents. What a family man, too."
Mr. Wolfe has two young children, according to Mr. Yaniello.
Mr. Yaniello said he has been in contact with Mr. Wolfe's brother-in-law, Joey Finkey, who is an assistant for the varsity wrestling team. Mr. Finkey is in Las Vegas, where he had traveled a day earlier to look for Mr. Wolfe.
The owner of a surveying and engineering firm said Mr. Wolfe had previously worked for him as a professional engineer, contributing to several major projects.
Carl Bert described Mr. Wolfe as personable, fun, easy to work with and a devoted Christian.
Mr. Wolfe’s father, Bill Wolfe Sr., was Shippensburg borough manager for many years.
The Chambersburg Public Opinion says Mr. Wolfe and his wife were in Las Vegas celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary.
At least 59 people were killed and 500 wounded when a man opened fire on the outdoor festival from a 32nd floor window in a nearby hotel-casino.
Mr. Wolfe is listed as the head coach of the elementary wrestling program for students K through 6th grade.
Shippensburg officials are encouraging donations to a GoFundMe page that is raising money for the Wolfe family. More than $4,000 had been raised as of 10 a.m.
No further details were immediately available.
First Published: October 3, 2017, 2:13 p.m.
Updated: October 3, 2017, 3:19 p.m.
