The Myers Park High School community in Charlotte, North Carolina, is mourning the loss of Zailan Peeler, a beloved former athlete and coach who passed away in a tragic accident.
Peeler, who graduated from Myers Park in 2017, was known for his standout performance on the varsity basketball team during his three-year tenure. His high school career caught the attention of colleges, leading him to play for Tusculum University and then Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee, where he continued to shine on the court.
After his collegiate basketball days, Peeler returned to his alma mater, joining the coaching staff in 2020. His dedication to the sport and to mentoring young athletes was evident to all who knew him.
Nick Jones, who was Peeler’s coach during his junior and senior years at Myers Park, shared a heartfelt tribute on X, reflecting on their journey together. “In 2015 when I started at MP, you were a Junior…Graduated in 2017…left for Tusculum/Carson Newman…came home every break to workout…came home for good in 2020 and coached with us the last 2 years,” Jones wrote. He emphasized Peeler’s significant influence over the nine years since they first met, celebrating the highs and acknowledging the profound loss felt by many.
In 2015 when i started at MP you were a Junior….Graduated in 2017….left for Tusculum/Carson Newman…came home every break to workout….came home for good in 2020 and coached with us the last 2 years.
— Nick Jones (@CoachJonesACS) January 25, 2025
In that 9 year span you touched the lives of many, celebrated the highest of… pic.twitter.com/6w8WfnyCYv
While the specific details of the accident leading to Peeler’s death have not been officially disclosed, the community has come together in grief, sharing memories and condolences on various platforms. Peeler’s legacy as both a player and a coach will continue to inspire and resonate within the Myers Park and broader Charlotte sports community.
This is a developing story. We will update this blog with more information as it becomes available.
Comments are open for those who wish to share memories or condolences. Please keep all messages respectful.