David Coates, the former longtime football coach and athletic director at Northwest Rankin High School who was facing drug charges, has died.
Coates' death was confirmed in statements by his attorney, Bill Kirksey, and District Attorney Michael Guest.
The 57-year-old Coates died Thursday of an apparent heart attack at his Rankin County home.
Coates had been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell or distribute. He was scheduled for trial on Aug. 10 in Rankin County Circuit Court.
Guest says an autopsy may be sought in Coates' death.
Coates' son, Joseph Patrick Coates, was sentenced to 9 years for sale of MDMA, the main ingredient in Ecstasy, and possession of
narcotics.
Coates' daughter, Mary Alice Coates was sentenced to eight years in prison for conspiring to sell MDMA.
