P.A.L. Boxing Club mourns loss of Coach Mike

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) Boxing Club posted to Facebook Wed. morning, sharing the passing of one of their coaches, David Michael Deakins.

“It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of Coach Mike. He was a vital part of the P.A.L. Boxing Club, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he coached and mentored. His presence will be truly missed. Please keep his family and the entire P.A.L. community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the post read.

During the boxing club’s practice Wed. evening at the Beacon Resource Center, the captain of the South Bend Police Department and coordinator for the P.A.L. program, David Herron, reminisced on who Deakins was to the P.A.L. community.

“South Bend is our family, so this is a tremendous loss for all of us. When we heard the news yesterday it affected everyone here. Not just here, but people that weren’t here. Mike was a very good person, very personable, and he will be truly missed,” said Herron.