Cornell High community in shock, Head Coach Ed Dawson passed away Friday night

Tagged under: Coaches Corner, District 7, News

Billy Splain | October 24, 2026

Veteran Head Coach Ed Dawson passed away during Cornells game with Rochester. He apparently wasn’t feeling well during the second quarter and had a medical episode. The game was called with Cornell leading. Aid and cpr was given on the sidelines by someone before he was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Dawson had been the head coach since 2011.

Superintendent Aaron Thomas released a statement that said Coach Dawson experienced a medical emergency on the sideline during the game and was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. “This is an extremely difficult situation,” Thomas said in a statement. “To say Coach Dawson was an integral part of Cornell School District would be an understatement. It is hard to put into words what Coach Dawson means to Cornell and we are all heartbroken, crushed and in shock.”

Our hearts go out to the entire Cornell community, his family and every touched by this incredible human being.