SK basketball coach shot on I-5, in stable condition

South Kitsap High School boys basketball coach Anthony Lewis was the victim of a shooting on Interstate 5 over the weekend.

SKHS principal Dave Goodwin says in an email to staff that another vehicle opened fire on Lewis’ car while he was headed home from the night shift on his job.

“This caused his vehicle to leave the road and caused even more physical injury to Anthony,” Goodwin said. “Luckily, a good samaritan was able to assist getting Anthony the medical help he needed to get to the ER.”

His condition was reported as stable in the email. The coach underwent surgery and is recovering at Tacoma General Hospital, athletic director Lindsey Foster said.

“The tougher news is that Anthony is going to have a long recovery,” Goodwin adds in the statement. “He will need our support in this painful process that I am sure has impacted him beyond just his physical injuries. His family members are all here or en route, and he has had loyal friends there with him all day, including his assistant coaches and Lindsey Foster.”

Fundraising efforts including a GoFundMe account have been created to assist with Lewis’ medical expenses. Over $24,000 has been donated as of the morning of Feb. 27. Goodwin is asking that Lewis and his family receive continued support from the community.

“This is an active law enforcement investigation, and I am certain they are working on leads and piecing together all the details,” Goodwin said. “The important part is that Anthony is going to survive this ordeal.”

Kiara Maxwell, the creator of the GoFundMe and a close friend of Lewis’ family notes that Lewis had recently begun a job assisting at-risk youth in Kent. “Anthony is not just a basketball coach; he’s a highly regarded model of strength and inspiration to students, athletes, colleagues and community members,” Maxwell wrote. “His dedication to shaping the lives of youth has left an indelible mark on each person he has touched.”