Reports indicated that Ex-Myers Park High School’s coach, Zailan Peeler, died in a car accident.
Zailan Peeler graduated from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, NC, in 2017 after three years of starring on the varsity basketball team.
Highlights
- The Myers Park High School graduate Zailan Peeler lost his life in a car accident on January 24, 2025.
- He studied for a Bachelor of Science at Carson-Newman University from 2018 to 2022.
- Peeler is survived by his mother, Patricia Ann Mapp, sister, Zakia Peeler, and brother, ZaQwaun Matthews.
In high school, he averaged 22.6 points, 7.4 assists, and 1.7 steals in his senior prep campaign playing for Scott Taylor at Myers Park High School.
Zailan proceeded to Tusculum and later Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN, starring for both the Tusculum Pioneers and the Carson Newman Eagles.
While playing at Tusculum University in the 2019-20 season, he appeared in 22 games and made one start in his first season as an Eagle en route to averaging 4.7 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.
Peeler connected 40.7 percent of his shots and 35.7 percent of his threes. He scored in double-digits three times, including a season-high 15 at Queens.
Following his college career, Peeler returned to Myers Park, where he worked on the coaching staff.
Former Myers Park High School Player And Coach Zailan Peeler Died In A Car Accident
As per the reports, Zailan Peeler, 25, was caught in a tragic accident and pronounced dead at the scene in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Friday, January 24, 2025.
However, further investigation is being conducted to find the exact cause of the accident.
His death was announced by his former coach, Nick Jones, who remembered his former athlete/colleague in a touching tribute.
Nick Jones, who coached Peeler from his junior year at Myers Park in 2015, expressed shock at the news of Peeler’s passing and praised him for being a dedicated and determined athlete who later became a member of his coaching staff. He wrote,
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. In that 9 year span you touched the lives of many, celebrated the highest of highs. For 9 years you were a constant presence for me. There for the start and the finish. I love you man @zailanpeeler …i know you’re in heaven now already letting them know what FamilyHood is
Nick Jones
Myers Park High School also poured a small tribute to Zailan Peeler through their official Facebook handle. They wrote,
It is with great sadness that we share, Zailan Peeler, a Myers Park graduate (class of 2017) and former assistant basketball coach, passed away on Friday. Many of you know Zailan as a kind, caring, and dedicated person, and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly tough time. Please keep Zailan’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Our coaches and counselors are available to support students and staff.
Myers Park High School
Former Myers Park High School graduate and Zailan’s colleague Rod McClure also sent his heartfelt condolence to Peeler’s family. He wrote,
Sending my condolences to the family. RIP Zai
Zailan Peeler
However, Zailan will be remembered forever for his unforgettable contribution as a player and coach at Myers Park High School.
Myers Park Basketball Star Zailan Peeler Is Survived By His Parents
Zailan Peeler was born on May 13, 1999, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to his mother, Patricia Ann Mapp, and his father, whose identity has not been revealed.
His mother, Patricia, is a lead LSR at Medspeed LLC and Operational manager at Help Service.
She is also a former personal assistant at Help Personal Errands & Services.
As per Patricia’s Facebook handle, she is originally from Snow Hill, North Carolina, but lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.
She attended West Charlotte High School and later studied Criminal Justice at AIU University Online.
Recently, Patricia shared the news of her son Zailan’s tragic passing through her Facebook handle. She wrote,
It’s still unreal for me, I keep looking for you walk through the door, you didn’t smile a lot but when you did you made the hold room shine…. I feel in love with you from the first time I saw you…… my second heartbeat. Zailan K Peeler I love you always and forever.My baby boy!!! To the best 25 years I could have ever wished for. 05-13-99 /01-24-25
Patricia Ann Mapp
Additionally, Zailan is survived by his sister, Zakia Peeler, and his brother, ZaQwaun Matthews.
His sister, Zakia, who works at Fashion Nova, also shared Patricia’s heartfelt post about Zailan and wrote,
I love you forever
Zakia Peeler
On the other hand, his brother ZaQwaun completed his graduation from Myers Park High School in 2015.
Additional Information
- He was a two-time all-conference selection and had a season-high 27 points with six rebounds against Charlotte Catholic High School in 2017.
- At Tusculum University, he had a quartet of games where he knocked down at least a trio of threes. Peeler topped out at five boards several times, grabbing five against King (11/9) and Catawba (1/4).
- He was ranked 118th in North Carolina for one stat, 19th in Division 4A for one stat, and 2nd in Southwestern 4A for one stat.
