The Acadiana and Rayne, Louisiana communities are in deep mourning following the tragic death of Jeremy Thomas, affectionately known as DJ Sausage or Coach Jeremy, who lost his life in a fatal car accident early Sunday morning.
According to the Rayne Police Department, the accident occurred around 3:25 a.m. when Jeremy’s truck collided with the rear of a parked semi-truck on the highway shoulder. The driver of the semi-truck was not present at the scene when officers arrived. Authorities continue to investigate the events that led to the devastating crash.
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Jeremy’s untimely passing has left a tremendous void in the hearts of family, friends, students, and fans who knew him as a beacon of kindness, energy, and selflessness.
Known widely as both a talented DJ and a dedicated youth coach, Jeremy’s influence stretched far beyond Rayne. His passion for music and mentorship earned him the respect and admiration of people across the Acadiana region.
“He touched everybody’s lives,” said Cleveland Guidry, a relative. “If you didn’t have money for a haircut, he’d do it for free. If you couldn’t afford for him to DJ, he’d still show up. He was always taking care of kids and helping anyone who needed it.”
Another family member, Rudolph Charles Jr., described him as “an example for all young men,” emphasizing Jeremy’s role as a positive influence and community leader.
Friends remember him as a man who radiated positivity no matter the circumstances. Shalin Dean shared, “He lit up the room no matter what he was going through. He brought laughter, love, and light wherever he went.”
As Coach Jeremy, he made a lasting impact on young athletes, not just by teaching basketball but by mentoring them through life’s challenges. His players recall how he offered rides, celebrated their wins, and encouraged them after losses — always reminding them of their worth and potential.
A statement from the local basketball community described him as “the kind of coach every parent hopes their child has — one who teaches integrity, effort, and compassion.”
Born and raised in Rayne, Louisiana, and a proud Rayne High School graduate, Jeremy embodied the spirit of Acadiana — hardworking, generous, and full of heart. Though he spent time living in Rayne, Pennsylvania, his love for Louisiana and his community never faded.
Tributes have poured in across social media, with many remembering Jeremy as a man who “gave more than he ever asked for” and “changed lives through love and laughter.”
As family and friends prepare to honor his life, the community continues to rally around them, offering prayers, donations, and memories of a man who truly made a difference.