Crash Kills Former Delco Hockey Coach Who Was Recently Appointed To School Board

SPRINGFIELD, PA — A Springfield man who died in a crash on Saturday was a longtime hockey coach who was just days from his first meeting serving as a newly appointed School Board member.

Phil Eastman, 68, died after a Tesla driver lost control on a South Jersey highway, crossed the grass median and struck his Chevrolet SUV, police said.

His passenger, whose identity wasn't shared, was brought to the hospital with "moderate" injuries. Related: PA Man Killed, 2 Injured In South Jersey Crash, Police Say

Eastman lived in Springfield for the past 40 years, according to the Springfield School District. He and his wife, Maureen, were high school athletes in the township, where they raised their son and daughter, according to the school district.

For 28 years, Eastman coached youth and high school hockey, including 17 years as varsity head coach at Springfield High School.

"Coach Eastman dedicated many years to mentoring our student-athletes and building our program," the school's ice hockey club said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Eastman family during this difficult time."

Eastman recently retired after 44 years with Exelon and PECO. Soon after, a position on the Springfield School District Board of Directors opened up.

Robert Hornberger resigned from his Board position in May. Four people, including Eastman, applied to fill the remainder of Hornberger's term, which runs through 2027.

At the June 25 meeting, the Board voted 4-0 to appoint Eastman. All of the applicants who interviewed were "extremely qualified," said Board President Bruce E. Lord, Jr.

Eastman was out on vacation during the meeting, Lord said. But he was sworn in days later.

The upcoming meeting on Thursday would have been Eastman's first on the School Board, since the governing body didn't convene in July.

His legacy endures as a longtime Springfield resident who "brought a deep commitment to public education, extensive civic involvement, and decades of service and leadership experience to his community," the Springfield School District said in a statement.

"SSD’s hearts are especially with Maureen, Phil’s family, his friends, his former players, and all those fortunate enough to have known him," the statement says. "Please keep the Eastman family in your thoughts as they navigate this unimaginable loss."