Gardena Serra basketball Coach Dwan Hurt has died

Gardena Serra students, faculty and parents received sad news on Friday that longtime boys’ basketball Coach Dwan Hurt died in his sleep, football Coach Scott Altenberg said.

Hurt was 53.

“I’ve worked with him for 23 years,” Altenberg said. “It’s a huge loss to everyone.”

Hurt, who also served as the school’s dean of discipline and was a 1981 Serra grad, won his 500th career victory in 2014. His teams won state titles in 1993 and 2010.

Serra was scheduled to open its season on Dec. 2.

Players were meeting with school officials on Friday.

Santa Margarita Coach Jeff Reinert played with Hurt at Gonzaga. Last week, Serra scrimmaged against the Eagles.

“I’m just devastated,” Reinert said Friday when learning of the news.

USC defensive back Adoree’ Jackson, a former Serra basketball player, tweeted, “The Man, The Myth, The Legend Coach Hurt. Rest In Paradise Coach and thank you for everything.”

Loyola Marymount assistant Reggie Morris, a former Redondo coach, said in a tweet, “Coach Hurt will never be replaced. He took interest in me as a young coach & I am forever thankful. RIP Coach Hurt. A good coach & a great man!”

Southern Section Commissioner Rob Wigod said, “I am very sorry to hear the news of the sudden passing of Dwan Hurt. I was fortunate to know him and always admire his passion and devotion to helping young people. My heart goes out to the students, the staff and the entire Serra High School community.”

Rainer Wulf, the Southern Section’s assistant commissioner in charge of basketball, said, “The Southern Section has lost a great coach and leader of young people. I have known Dwan for many years and always appreciated his dedication to Serra HS and the student-athletes that he coached. My thoughts are with his family and the Serra HS community in this difficult time.”

Serra will host a prayer service for members of the Serra family on Monday at 8:15 a.m. in the school gym.

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