Amherst Honors Coach Jason Beckman with Tribute After He Drove Vehicle Into Upper Rapids at Niagara Falls

Amherst Central High School paid tribute to longtime teacher and coach Jason Beckman on Friday night, holding a moment of silence before the team’s first football game since his sudden passing earlier this week.

Beckman, who spent nearly 30 years in the district as a physical education teacher at Amherst Middle School and as coach of both the varsity football and boys varsity bowling teams, was remembered by students, staff, and the community.

Prior to kickoff, players gathered together at midfield for a solemn moment of silence in his honor. Each player also wore helmet decals featuring the initials “J.B.,” a visible reminder of the coach’s lasting impact on generations of Amherst athletes.

Earlier in the week, Superintendent Anthony Panella addressed families, acknowledging the grief across the school community and announcing resources to help students cope.

“Even if your child did not know Mr. Beckman, your child may be confronted with a variety of emotions which might include shock, sadness and confusion. Each of us will react to Mr. Beckman's death in our own way, and we need to be respectful of each other,” Panella said.

To support students, the district established Care Rooms at both the middle and high schools. Psychologists, counselors, and social workers were made available to provide guidance and emotional support to anyone in need.

The district also issued a formal statement following Beckman’s death, underscoring his decades of dedication.

“The Amherst Central School District mourns the death of Jason Beckman who has been a member of our school family for more than 29 years. In his role as an Amherst Middle School physical education teacher, a varsity football coach and boys varsity bowling coach, Mr. Beckman taught and coached countless students. As a community we are grieving and plans are in place to support faculty, staff and students during this difficult time.”

THE INCIDENT

Calls to 911 came in around 9:20am about a Jeep-style pickup entering the water near the bird overlook, east of the Old Stone Chimney. Witnesses told police they saw the male driver leave the vehicle after it entered the river and attempt to swim in the turbulent waters. He never made it to shore.

Multiple agencies responded including New York State Park Police, State Police, Niagara Falls Police and Fire, who immediately launched a large-scale search by air, land, and water. Resources included drones, a State Park Police rescue vessel, a State Police aviation unit, and underwater dive teams. Officers were also stationed along the shoreline to assist.

By 10:49am, the Park Police Marine unit located a submerged vehicle about 50 feet from shore in the same area it was last seen. State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation officers, along with the Underwater Recovery Team, assessed how to access and remove the vehicle safely.

Members of the State Park Police Marine Unit, working alongside the State Police Underwater Recovery Team, recovered a body from the water. Authorities confirmed the victim as Beckman. He was pronounced deceased at the scene and transported to Erie County Medical Center where an autopsy is being conducted.

Promotional Content

Amherst Honors Coach Jason Beckman with Tribute After He Drove Vehicle Into Upper Rapids at Niagara Falls