Malvern Mourns Loss of Assistant Coach Mark Freer in Saturday Night Crash
The Malvern High School football family was struck with tragedy late Saturday as assistant coach Mark Alan Freer lost his life in a single-vehicle accident.
According to preliminary information from the Arkansas State Police, 54-year-old Freer was involved in a crash around 10:30 p.m. Saturday on Country Club Road just south of Malvern. Details remain limited as the investigation unfolds.
The Malvern School District released a statement Sunday morning confirming Freer’s passing and honoring his legacy:
“It is with heavy hearts that the Malvern School District announces the passing of our colleague, friend, and football coach, Mark Freer. Coach Freer was well loved by both staff and students. He was a true friend to everyone around him, and he dedicated himself to teaching lessons of character, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance to the students around him. His impact reached far beyond the confines of coaching and into the lives of countless students and families.
We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, children, family, friends, athletes, and colleagues. Coach Freer’s contagious personality will be missed by so many in the community, and he will always be family.
If you have special memories of Coach Freer, we encourage you to share them with us. If you have photos, please send them to us in a private message, and we will ensure they are passed along.
Grief counseling will be available for students and staff who may need support during this difficult time.”
The Malvern football community also offered its players a space to grieve, announcing that coaches would be available Sunday afternoon for anyone who wanted to come together.
Tributes extended beyond Malvern as well. The Bauxite High School football program expressed condolences on social media:
“Bauxite Football team sends our deepest condolences to the Malvern football team and the family of Coach Mark Freer. We are so sorry for your loss. May God’s peace and presence rest on you all during this time. God bless you all.”
Freer’s passing came just a day after Malvern opened its 2025 season on the road at Jacksonville, making the news all the more difficult for his players and colleagues.
At this time, funeral and memorial arrangements have not been released. ArkansasVarsity.com will continue to provide updates and coverage as more information becomes available.