x
Breaking News
More () »

High Schools Honor Fallen Former Baseball Player

Just days after Zachary Hagan died in a rollover crash in Fayetteville, his former classmates and teammates in Springdale honored the former student they say wa...

Just days after Zachary Hagan died in a rollover crash in Fayetteville, his former classmates and teammates in Springdale honored the former student they say was so full of life.

A moment of silence was held at Tuesday night's basketball game between Springdale High School and Har-Ber High School. Hagan graduated from Springdale High in 2011 and played baseball for the school.

"I just kind of sat there for a little bit and just thought," said friend John Billingsley. "I mean, it's been tough on the whole team. I know our head coach has been hurting pretty bad cause of it."

Police said Hagan, who was a passenger, was not wearing his seat belt when a car wrecked on Wedington Drive in Fayetteville early Sunday morning. He was thrown from the vehicle and later pronounced dead.

Two other friends in the car suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital.

According to police, Kenneth Sizemore, 20, was the driver and Griffith Smith, 20, was another passenger.

Hagan's funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Cross Pointe Community Church in Springdale.

Visitation will be held 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16 at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home.

Springdale High baseball coach Billy Ray Rutledge remembers Hagan and how much he enjoyed playing the game, as evidenced by his efforts to return from a shoulder injury.

"I remember the look on his face when he was finally cleared to play, man it was special. He enjoyed it. It was special to see him go through that and go out there and be able to play," Rutledge said. "He was a great kid and we loved having him around."

Hagan was born September 27, 1992 in Fayetteville to John Bret Hagan and Heather Nicole Evans.

Hagan was a student at the University of Arkansas prior to his death. He enjoyed water sports, baseball, and golf.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Springdale High School Baseball Program c/o Wayne Stehlik 610B East Emma Springdale, AR 72764 or to the Fayetteville Animal Shelter 1640 South Armstrong Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72701.

Before You Leave, Check This Out