Bill Cameron, Cathedral basketball coach, died of an apparent heart attack Thursday.

Cameron 52, had joined the Cathedral team this season. His prior coaching experience was at Martin Junior High during the 1970s. Other than coaching Cameron taught science at Cathedral.

Cameron was a 1965 graduate of Natchez High School.

Faculty and friends of Cameron were stunned by the news of his death.

&uot;I was flabbergasted,&uot; Roy Garcia said. &uot;I&160;found out about it during the Santa Claus march. I’m appalled. I&160;really just got started knowing him since he was hired in the summer.&uot;

Cameron had a low key approach to his coaching style. This style helped him with the athletes as well as his students.

&uot;He was very calm, cool and collected,&uot; Garcia said. &uot;He had a good rapport with the players and students. I officiated a intra-squad scrimmage for the boys team Thursday. That was the last time I saw him.&uot;

News of Cameron’s death is slowly circulating among the Cathedral school. Some faculty and students are out of town and have yet to hear the news. Headmaster Scott Fleming is out of state for the Christmas holidays.

Cameron’s death not only creates a void on the basketball team but also one in the classroom.

For the time being, the Green Wave gym is quiet and the courtside is vacant.

&uot;He will be hard to replace as a coach and teacher,&uot; Garcia said. &uot;The season starts full tilt January 4, and classes begin that week too.&uot;