CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

FOREST HILLS — Philip Haywood, the longtime head football coach of Belfry High School, is in serious condition following a car crash Saturday morning near his Forest Hills home.

According to Nee Jackson, Belfry’s fire chief and Pike County’s emergency management director, Haywood lost control of his vehicle after hitting a patch of black ice, sliding into a creek. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

The 73-year-old Haywood sustained significant injuries, including two punctured lungs, a brain hematoma and a cervical fracture, a family member said. He was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center, where he is reportedly stable and responsive.

Following news of the accident, the Belfry community flooded social media with prayers and well wishes for Haywood. On Sunday, Belfry High School issued a statement thanking supporters for their prayers and asking for privacy during Haywood’s recovery.

“Coach is at UK and receiving great care; he is stable and responsive,” the school’s post read. “Coach is a very private and humble man. … We know many will want to come and see him, but at this time he just needs your prayers. Thanks to everyone who has reached out and prayed and [is] continuing to pray.”

Haywood, who began coaching Belfry in 1984, is the winningest high school football coach in Kentucky history. Over 41 seasons with the Pirates, he has guided the team to eight Class 2A state championships, beginning with their first-ever title in 2003. Subsequent championships came in 2004, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2021. Under Haywood’s leadership, Belfry reached the state finals as recently as 2024.

Kentucky State Police Post 9 investigated at the scene. Emergency crews from the Belfry Volunteer Fire Department and Appalachian First Response ambulance service also responded.