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Duke Mourns Loss of Coach K's Son-in-Law
23 Sep
Summary
- Chris Spatola, former Duke staffer and coach's son-in-law, died.
- He was a respected college basketball analyst for ESPN and SiriusXM.
- Spatola served in the US Army and was a dedicated family man.
Chris Spatola, former Duke basketball staffer and son-in-law to Mike Krzyzewski, died unexpectedly on Monday, September 21, at the age of 47. His passing was confirmed by Duke and ESPN. Spatola was a familiar face in college basketball circles, serving as an analyst for ESPN and SiriusXM for over a decade.
Spatola, a former player at Army, joined Coach K's staff at Duke from 2007 to 2012, during which time the Blue Devils won the 2010 championship. He was married to Coach K's daughter, Jamie, and they had three children. The Krzyzewski family expressed profound heartbreak, remembering Spatola as a devoted husband, father, and important family member who also served his country.
ESPN highlighted Spatola's unique perspective and passion for the sport, noting his respect among colleagues, coaches, and fans. The network extended condolences to his loved ones during this difficult period.