DULUTH, GA — The Duluth High School community is mourning the tragic loss of Sylvia Akers, a longtime assistant basketball coach and special education teacher, who died in a car accident on Interstate 985 on the evening of January 21.
Akers, who dedicated 16 years to Duluth High, was remembered as a mentor, educator, and friend whose passion shaped the lives of countless students. She had just signed her Gwinnett County Public Schools retirement paperwork, marking the end of a distinguished career, before the accident occurred.
According to the Georgia State Patrol’s preliminary report, Akers was driving a white Ford F‑150 northbound near Sprout Spring when the vehicle left its lane for unknown reasons, traveled off the east shoulder, and overturned multiple times. She was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville with serious injuries but later passed away.
Her death has left a deep void in the Wildcats’ athletic program and the broader school community. Head girls basketball coach Shyla Dunford paid tribute, saying: “Coach Sylvia Akers was the light of our program. She was everything we needed her to be — the mentor, coach, comic relief and truth‑teller all at once. Her heart was pure and full of love, which she poured into everyone around her.”
Students, faculty, and alumni have shared memories of Akers’ dedication, describing her as a guiding force who inspired excellence both on and off the court. Her impact extended beyond basketball, as she worked tirelessly to support students in special education, ensuring they felt valued and empowered.
The Duluth community continues to grieve while celebrating the legacy of a teacher and coach who gave her all to the school. Plans for memorial services are expected to be announced in the coming days.
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