Bassick High School Basketball Coach Bernie Lofton Dies

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bernie Lofton, Bassick High School's boys basketball coach for the past decade, died Friday morning, according to the City of Bridgeport.

"It is with deep sadness that we have to report the passing of Bernie Lofton, beloved basketball coach at Bassick High School," officials wrote on Facebook. "We send many loving condolences to the friends, family, and students that knew Coach Lofton. Our prayers are with you all."

At the direction of Mayor Joe Ganim, flags in the city were lowered to half-staff in honor of Lofton.

The Connecticut Post reported that Lofton was a Bassick graduate, and he coached the team on Monday.