Quitman High School boys basketball coach / track coach Zachary Harris tragically lost his life this past Wednesday, November 11th after being struck by a vehicle while cycling. Harris, who resided in Ruston, was 29 years old.
Shortly after 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating the accident that took place on U.S. 167, just north of Louisiana 155. For reasons still unclear Harris, who was cycling on the northbound shoulder, entered the travel lane and was struck by a 2011 Buick Enclave. Harris was ejected from his bicycle and sustained life-threatening injuries. He was airlifted to a local hospital for treatment and the next day pronounced dead.
The Bridge Community Church in Ruston will host visitation prior to the funeral on Wednesday, November 18th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Funeral services are under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston with Rev. James Skinner and Rev. Scott Byrd officiating. Pallbearers will be Geoffrey Larson, Michael Larson, Miles Arsenault, Josh O’Rear, Leyton Page, Dan Weeks, Tad Light, and Matt Sunseri. Interment will follow at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens.
“Zach” was born on June 10, 1991 in Covington, Louisiana and was a graduate of Fontainebleau High School and Louisiana Tech University. He was a science teacher at Quitman High School, coached track and field where they won the state championship and was beginning his first year as boys basketball coach. His goals were to move into administration and ultimately teach at the college level.
Zach loved God, his family, the love of his life, Victoria, and all who knew him- he was a friend to all. He was a runner and cyclist, an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. He was a member of The Bridge Community Church. He loved Louisiana Tech and the Ruston community.
His final act was to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation that impacted multiple families of both Louisiana and Texas. Zach was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jimmie Nell and R.S. Page; uncle, Keith Wayne Page; cousin, Anthony Marcello; and step-grandmother, Rosemary Kilcoyne.
Zach is survived by his wife, Victoria Sharplin Harris; parents, Brent Harris (Judy Larson/Harris) and April Page Harris; sister, Madelyn Page Harris O’Rear (Joshua); brother, Christopher Miles Arsenault; grandparents, Malcolm “Frank” and Jackie S. Harris; aunts, Linda Gayle Page, Cheryl Marcello (Gary); cousins, Nicholas and Natalie Marcello, and Paul Leyton Page; step-brothers, Geoffrey Larson (Ashleigh) and Michael Larson; and his beloved family and friends.
