DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Chris Spatola, a college basketball analyst and son-in-law of retired Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, has died. He was 47.
The Krzyzewski family announced Spatola's death in a statement released by the school Tuesday night. No cause of death was announced.
“There are no words to adequately express our heartbreak over the loss of our beloved Chris Spatola,” the family said. "Chris served our country, was a devoted husband and father,
and was such an important part of our family.
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, thoughts, and prayers we have received during this incredibly difficult time. We respectfully ask for privacy as our entire family, particularly Jamie and her three beautiful children, grieve and process this unimaginable loss.”
Spatola was a two-time all-Patriot League player during his four-year career at Army from 1998-2002. He later earned commendation medals from time as a captain, including from his deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He had worked on Krzyzewski's Duke staff from 2007-12, which included the 2010 NCAA championship with current head coach Jon Scheyer as leading scorer.
Spatola eventually shifted to broadcasting, notably with ESPN and SiriusXM. Both media outlets released statements Tuesday night about Spatola's passing. ESPN called him “thoughtful, prepared and passionate about the sport,” while SiriusXM called him “an exceptional teammate and host — intelligent, authentic and passionate.”
The Duke and Army programs posted social-media statements honoring Spatola on Wednesday morning.
“With Chris, it was never about him, it was only about the game, the players, the coaches, and the fans,” ESPN analyst and former Duke player Jay Bilas said in a statement posted to Instagram. “Heartbroken beyond words to lose such a great friend, yet grateful beyond words to have known him.”
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