ESPN Basketball Analyst Chris Spatola Passes Away at 47
WHO:
[12:15 PM EDT] - CBS News - Duke men's basketball expressed their condolences, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Spatola. Chris was a beloved Army veteran, coach, broadcaster, and true friend to the Duke Basketball family."
[12:15 PM EDT] - CBS News - The Krzyzewski family stated, "We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, thoughts, and prayers we have received during this incredibly difficult time."
[12:15 PM EDT] - CBS News - Chris Spatola was married to Jamie Krzyzewski, the daughter of legendary former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Fox News - Chris Spatola received the Joint Service Commendation Medal for exceptional combat performance during his military service.
Fox News - Spatola was recognized with the Army Commendation Medal for his outstanding leadership.
NY Post - Chris Spatola, ESPN college basketball analyst, passed away at the age of 47.
Daily Mail Sports - Chris Spatola was the son-in-law of a legendary college basketball coach.
WHAT:
[12:15 PM EDT] - CBS News - Spatola was married to Jamie Krzyzewski, who has worked with her father on several of his books.
[12:15 PM EDT] - CBS News - Spatola was a two-time All-Patriot League player during his college career at Army from 1998 to 2002.
[12:15 PM EDT] - CBS News - The Krzyzewski family expressed their heartbreak over Spatola's passing, stating, "There are no words to adequately express our heartbreak over the loss of our beloved Chris Spatola."
Fox News - ESPN announced Spatola's passing on a Tuesday.
Fox News - ESPN described Spatola as bringing a "unique perspective to ESPN's college basketball coverage, shaped by his experiences as a student-athlete, Army veteran, coach and broadcaster."
Fox News - ESPN stated that Spatola was "thoughtful, prepared and passionate about the sport, earning the respect of colleagues, coaches, players and fans alike."
Fox News - Spatola deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during his military service from 2002 through 2007.
Fox News - Spatola led Army in scoring in three of his four seasons as a starter, finishing his college career with 1,543 points, placing him among Army’s top 10 all-time scorers.
Fox News - Spatola served on Mike Krzyzewski’s coaching staff at Duke from 2007 through 2012, during which the Blue Devils won the 2010 NCAA Division I men's basketball national championship.
Fox News - Spatola worked as a court coach for the U.S. men’s national basketball team under Krzyzewski at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
NY Post - Spatola played college basketball at West Point.
NY Post - He served on his father-in-law’s coaching staff at Duke for five years.
Daily Mail Sports - His passing was confirmed by ESPN on a Monday night.
WHERE:
NY Post - Spatola played college basketball at West Point.
Daily Mail Sports - He worked with ESPN and SiriusXM covering college basketball.
WHEN:
US Magazine - Chris Spatola died unexpectedly on Monday, September 21.
Daily Mail Sports - His passing was confirmed on a Monday night.
WHY:
Daily Mail Sports - The cause of death was not specified in the articles.
HOW:
[12:15 PM EDT] - CBS News - After leaving his coaching role at Duke, Spatola transitioned to a role as a color commentator for ESPN and TNT, and also worked for SiriusXM radio.
[12:15 PM EDT] - CBS News - After leaving his coaching role at Duke, Spatola transitioned to a role as a color commentator for ESPN and TNT.
Fox News - Spatola served on active duty for five years after graduating from Army.
Daily Mail Sports - Spatola spent years covering college basketball as an analyst and radio host.
Chris Spatola has passed away unexpectedly, according to reports from US Magazine. His death occurred on Monday, September 21. Spatola was known for his contributions to sports commentary and analysis.