News

South High School grieving after loss of coach, holds vigil Friday night

Brian Carter was killed Sunday in a car accident
South High School grieving after loss of coach
South High School grieving after loss of coach
Add KERO as a Google Preferred Source

South High had a noticeable sense of sorrow around the school on Monday, and it's understandable; they're just one day removed from losing one of their own.

Brian Carter was a special education teacher and the head coach of the varsity boys basketball team for the past 10 years.

The 40-year-old Carter was killed on Sunday after police say he was driving his truck on the wrong side of Calloway Drive. He then lost control, hitting a tree and then coming to a stop when he slammed into a fence. Police also say he was ejected from the car.

On Monday, the school brought in 9 additional grief counselors to give students an outlet, and spoke of Carter's impact on the school community.

"He was a loving coach, he was a loving teacher, he was a loving father," said Devang Brahmbhatt, the school's assistant principal.

"He was a true Rebel. We're surely going to miss him, and we're going to do the best that we can to get through this difficult time as a family and move forward."

At this time, police are not sure what caused the accident and have not said whether or not alcohol or drugs were a factor. They say they'll know more after a coroner's report is released.

Bakersfield, CA

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

SundaySun

11/15/2026

Partly Cloudy

71° / 52°

2%

MondayMon

11/16/2026

PM Rain

60° / 48°

93%

TuesdayTue

11/17/2026

Mostly Sunny

59° / 43°

16%

WednesdayWed

11/18/2026

Mostly Cloudy

65° / 52°

20%

ThursdayThu

11/19/2026

Rain

61° / 47°

73%

FridayFri

11/20/2026

Partly Cloudy

59° / 41°

19%

SaturdaySat

11/21/2026

Mostly Sunny

61° / 43°

3%

SundaySun

11/22/2026

Partly Cloudy

61° / 44°

12%