Longtime Forrest City basketball coach Dwight Lofton passes away

FORREST CITY, Ark. (KAIT) - One of the longtime faces of high school basketball in NEA has passed away.

Forrest City boys basketball coach Dwight Lofton died overnight. He roamed the Mustang sidelines for over 20 seasons. Lofton led Forrest City to 5A State Championships in 2014 and 2016. The Mustangs reached Hot Springs in 2007.

HS coaches all over Arkansas paid homage to Lofton on social media.

A Legend he was! Idolized Coach Lofton growing up. Thankful for the relationship w/ Coach through the years. A great friend, mentor & role model from the moment I stepped onto the sidelines. Thoughts & prayers go out to his family, players & the whole Forrest City Community! pic.twitter.com/VtWlnIMZJ5
— McKenzie Pierce (@MckP_BHS) April 8, 2021

I can’t process this... great friend who I’ve trusted since the day we played pick up ball in NLR. I’m gonna our conversations so much. #RIPCoachLof
— Wes Swift (@coachwesswift) April 8, 2021

Shocked to hear about the passing of Forrest City Coach Dwight Lofton. One of the best coaches and good guys you would ever meet. My thoughts and prayers are with Coaches family and the @FC_Schools. pic.twitter.com/93r8JtHoF9
— Coach Wayne Herren (@CoachHerren) April 8, 2021

The city of NLR , NLR Basketball and myself personally are saddened by the news of the death of Coach Dwight Lofton He was a mentor to me that was just as excited in our victories as his own #RipCoachLof
— Coach Rice (@johnnyrice22) April 8, 2021