Northeastern athletic director dies: How district is coping

Northeastern High School athletic director Darin Binkley died Monday, according to a social media post released Tuesday by the school district. He was 52. CONTRIBUTED

Northeastern High School athletic director Darin Binkley died Monday, according to a social media post released Tuesday by the school district. He was 52. CONTRIBUTED

A longtime Northeastern Local Schools teacher and first-year high school athletic director has died. Here’s what we know about Binkley and how the school district is coping with the sudden loss.

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Northeastern High School ‘reeling’ from loss

A school social media site posted Tuesday that Darin Binkley, 52, died on Monday. No cause was given for his death. Binkley was in his first year as the athletic director for the Jets after succeeding Chad Fyffe.

Northeastern Local Superintendent John Kronour said the effect on the school and community was devastating.

“You can’t plan for things like this,” he said. “The building, Northeastern High School, is reeling (Tuesday) from the loss. We’re just trying to pick up the pieces.”

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A long career in education

Binkley had been an educator for more than 25 years, according to his school biography. He taught science, health and physical education at several schools, including Kenton Ridge and Shawnee high schools. He coached football, basketball and wrestling at Northeastern, and remained involved in the school’s powerlifting program.

Northeastern offering support for students, staff

Kronour said the school district will offer counseling to those affected by Binkley’s loss.

“We definitely have things in place for students and staff and we’ll continue that on an as-needed basis,” Kronour said. “You take it hour by hour and support everyone the best that you can. We’ll miss Darin.”

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