CAMBELLSBURG, Ind. — A southern Indiana high school coach who suffered a stroke during a game Friday night is not expected to survive.
Phillip Bowsman, the head football coach and athletic director at West Washington High School, suffered what the West Washington School Corporation initially described as a "minor stroke" during his team's game at Lutheran High School in Indianapolis on Friday.
Bowsman was taken to the hospital, and as of Saturday morning was expected to make a full recovery.
Later Saturday, the school district posted that Bowsman had complications and had to undergo brain surgery because of pressure and swelling.
On Sunday, the school posted a final update that because of those complications, Bowsman was not expected to survive.
"Phillip Bowsman is having complications associated with a stroke and currently being supported by a vent. He will be taken off the vent early tomorrow and the doctors believe he will pass peacefully shortly after," the school posted.
West Washington canceled school on Monday and Tuesday because of the news. They will be open and offering counseling services to students and staff throughout the day.
"I know this is an inconvenience for some but I ask you to please be understanding. Phillip is a dear friend of many of our staff, family to some and a father figure to many," the school posted.
Bowsman was employed by West Washington Schools for 19 years. According to West Washington Schools, Bowsman began his career as a health/PE teacher and assistant coach and has been the head varsity coach at the school for 16 years. He has been the athletic director for the past seven years.
This story was originally published by Katie Cox on WRTV in Indianapolis.
