Duke Releases Statement On Unexpected Death Of Coach K’s Son-In-Law, Chris Spatola

The family of legendary Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski is in mourning this week following the passing of his son-in-law, Chris Spatola. He was 47 years old.

Spatola was married to Coach K’s daughter Jamie, with whom he has three children. He was a four-year starter for the West Point basketball team, leading the team in scoring in thee of his seasons and still ranks 10th on Army’s all-time points list.

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After graduating, Spatola moved into active duty from 2002 to 2007. He was deployed in Iraq and received multiple accolades for leadership and combat performance.

When he returned from active duty, Spatola joined Coach K’s coaching staff from 2007 to 2012, joining part in Duke’s 2010 national title team and Team USA’s gold medal wins in the 2008 Olympics and 2010 FIBA World Championship.

In 2015, he joined ESPN as an analyst.

Jan 14, 2023; Waco, Texas, USA; ESPN announcers Chris Spatola and Mark Neely that were working game the between the Baylor Bears and the Oklahoma State Cowboys had to call the game via a cell phone after a power outage during the second half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY SportsRaymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports.

Tributes and Statements

On Wednesday morning, the Duke men’s basketball team’s official X account released a statement on Spatola’s tragic passing:

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“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,” the team shared. “We send our love and condolences to his wife Jamie and three children, the Spatola and Krzyzewski families, and everyone who loved him.”

Yesterday the school released a statement offering its sympathies to Coach K’s family:

“There are no words to adequately express our heartbreak over the loss of our beloved Chris Spatola,” Duke said in a statement. “Chris served our country, was a devoted husband and father, and was such an important part of our family.”

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/duke-releases-statement-unexpected-death-153328498.html

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Publish date : 2026-09-23 15:33:00

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