ESPN Analyst Chris Spatola Dies at 47
The short version
- Chris Spatola died at 47; the Krzyzewski family confirmed his death Tuesday night through Duke
- He was a two-time all-Patriot League player at Army and served as a captain in Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Spatola worked on Mike Krzyzewski's Duke staff from 2007 to 2012, including the 2010 NCAA title run
- He most recently worked as a college basketball analyst for ESPN and SiriusXM
The college basketball broadcaster and former Duke assistant, who was married to Mike Krzyzewski's daughter, was remembered by ESPN, SiriusXM and both of his college programs.
Chris Spatola, a college basketball analyst for ESPN and SiriusXM, has died at 47. His death was announced Tuesday night in a statement from the Krzyzewski family released through Duke. Spatola was the son-in-law of former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski. No cause of death was given.
The family said Spatola served his country and was a devoted husband and father, and asked for privacy as his wife Jamie and their three children grieve.
Spatola played four seasons at Army from 1998 to 2002, earning all-Patriot League honors twice. He later served as an Army captain during Operation Iraqi Freedom and received commendation medals.
He joined Krzyzewski's Duke staff from 2007 to 2012, a period that included the 2010 national championship team led in scoring by current Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. He then moved into broadcasting with ESPN and SiriusXM.
Both networks paid tribute Tuesday night, with ESPN calling him thoughtful, prepared and passionate about the sport, and SiriusXM describing him as an exceptional teammate and host. Duke and Army also posted statements Wednesday morning, and ESPN's Jay Bilas wrote on Instagram that he was heartbroken to lose a great friend.
