Joshua Ferriell, a coach for the men’s rugby club at WKU and instructor for Architect & Manufacturing Sciences, died on Saturday.

Ferriell was diagnosed with a rare form of melanoma, according to an obituary that appeared in the Bowling Green Daily News. Ferriell was 38.

Ferriell joined the Air Force in 1999 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant, according to the obituary.  Ferriell graduated with both an undergraduate and master’s degree from WKU.

He joined the rugby team as an undergraduate, returned to coach when pursuing his master’s and held onto that title until his death. 

Carissa Waller, the president and captain of the womens rugby club, said she regularly met with Ferriell, and he had close friendships with many of the rugby players.

“More than he was a coach, he was a friend to all of those players, a role model and so much more,” Waller said. 

On Facebook, the University of Louisville’s rugby football club offered thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Ferriell.

“Many of the members of LRFC as well as other Kentucky rugby clubs are playing today because this man taught them how to love the game. Rest In Peace brother,” the post reads. 

Veterans Upward Bound, VUB, at WKU also posted on Facebook saying “staff, students and alumni are laden with heavy hearts.” According to the post, Ferriell was given the VUB “Alumnus of the Year” award at the organization’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Open visitation is today, Dec. 12 from 4-8 p.m. and continues tomorrow, Dec. 13, from 9-11 a.m. with services at 11. 

Charitable contributions to WKU Rugby or WKU Veterans Upward Bound Program are recommended in lieu of flowers, according to the obituary.