Travis Cleveland, Coach of Crystal River Buccaneer Dead in Car Accident

Travis Cleveland, coach of the Crystal River Buccaneers pop warner football program in Citrus County, Florida, is being mourned after his death in a car accident.

Cleveland passed following the tragic crash on Friday, October 18, 2024.

The Crystal River Bucaneers announced the news of their coaches passing in a tribute post shared to social media.

“Today we mourn the loss of one of our own, Coach Travis Cleveland,” the program said in a Facebook post. “If you knew Coach Travis, which most everyone did, you know he was dedicated, had quite a personality and was the proclaimed Grill Master.”

Coach Cleveland had been coaching the Bucs for several years and was revered by many, held in high esteem as more than a coach.

“He was a father, family member, and friend to many in Crystal River,” said Crystal River mayor Joe Meek. “He spent years coaching many kids in our community, including my own son and hundreds of kids in the Crystal River Buccaneers pop warner football program and other youth sports.”

The Crystal River Bucaneers dedicated their 12U game on Saturday in his honor, with most players decked out in a helmet showcasing his initials.

Coach Travis Cleveland is survived by his long-time girlfriend and three children.

Members of the community sent words of condolences to his grieving family.

“May God rest his soul. Thank you Joe. Praying peace and comfort for Jessica, his children, his mother, and family. He is dearly loved,” one person said.