Jeremy Shane Jenkins, 51, East Bernard ISD’s athletic director and head football coach, and his wife, Brandy Renee Jenkins, 46, an East Bernard Junior High School teacher, were killed in a car crash Saturday night in Wharton County, Texas.
The crash happened at approximately 10:07 p.m. on State Highway 60 near County Road 210, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
DPS said a 2025 Tesla Model Y was traveling north on Highway 60 when it approached a curve, left the roadway, and overturned. Jeremy was driving, with Brandy as a passenger. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Jeremy Jenkins had served as East Bernard ISD’s athletic director and head football coach. District leaders remembered him as an “all in” coach who was deeply devoted to his players, fellow coaches, and the East Bernard community.
His coaching philosophy centered on developing young people both on and off the field. The district said he constantly studied film, challenged his players to see situations from different perspectives, and genuinely wanted what was best for every student.
Jenkins had taken over the Brahmas football program after coming to East Bernard because of the community’s strong football tradition and the opportunity to raise his family there. He quickly became an important part of the school and community.
Brandy Jenkins had recently joined East Bernard ISD as a teacher at East Bernard Junior High School. Although the school year had only been underway for three days, the district said she had already formed a strong connection with her students.
“She loved the Brahmas,” the district said, while remembering her love for her three boys, Jeremy, the coaching staff, and her close circle of coaches’ wives.
The couple’s deaths have left the East Bernard school community facing an unimaginable loss. Students, teachers, coaches, families, and friends are mourning two people who had become deeply connected to the district.
East Bernard ISD said counseling and support services will be available to students and staff as the community works through the tragedy.
The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the crash. No additional details regarding what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway have been released.
Jeremy and Brandy Jenkins will be remembered for their dedication to their family, students, colleagues, and the East Bernard community. Their loss leaves a profound void in the Brahmas family, and their loved ones remain in the thoughts and prayers of everyone mourning this heartbreaking tragedy.
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