ESPN Analyst Chris Spatola Dies Unexpectedly at 47
The short version
- Chris Spatola died suddenly at 47 on Monday, Sept. 21.
- He worked as an analyst for ESPN and SiriusXM for over a decade.
- He served on Duke's coaching staff from 2007 to 2012, a span that included the 2010 championship.
- He was married to Mike Krzyzewski's daughter Jamie, with whom he had three children.
- He played at Army and served in the U.S. Army before joining Duke.
The longtime college basketball broadcaster and former Duke assistant, married to Mike Krzyzewski's daughter, died Monday, according to statements from Duke and ESPN.
Chris Spatola, a college basketball analyst for ESPN and SiriusXM, died unexpectedly on Monday, Sept. 21, at the age of 47. Duke University and ESPN each issued statements confirming his death. He was married to Jamie Spatola, the daughter of former Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski and his wife Mickie, and the couple had three children.
Spatola played four seasons of college basketball at Army, the school where Krzyzewski began his coaching career. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Army before spending 2007 through 2012 on the Duke coaching staff. During that period, the Blue Devils captured the 2010 national title, a roster that included current Duke head coach Jon Scheyer.
In its statement, Duke remembered Spatola as the witty host of its K Academy program and a committed coach. The Krzyzewski family called him a devoted husband and father and an important part of their family, adding that they were grateful for the support they had received and requesting privacy as they grieved.
ESPN described Spatola as a broadcaster whose background as a student-athlete, Army veteran, coach and commentator gave his coverage a distinctive viewpoint. The network said he was respected by colleagues, coaches, players and viewers alike.