Chris Spatola, ESPN Analyst and Former Duke Assistant, Dies at 47

The West Point graduate, Army veteran and son-in-law of Mike Krzyzewski was a member of Duke's basketball staff from 2007 to 2012.

Chris Spatola, who worked as a basketball commentator for ESPN and SiriusXM after a coaching career that included five seasons on the staff at Duke, has died at 47. His death was announced by ESPN on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

A 2002 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Spatola started for four years with the Black Knights and topped the Patriot League in scoring during both the 2001 and 2002 seasons. He then served as an Army officer and Company Commander, earning the Joint Service Commendation Medal for combat service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mike Krzyzewski brought Spatola onto the Duke men's basketball staff after his military service, where he stayed from 2007 through 2012. Spatola was married to Krzyzewski's daughter Jamie, and the couple had three children.

The Krzyzewski family said in a statement that Spatola served his country and was a devoted husband and father who meant a great deal to the family. They thanked people for their support and requested privacy as the family grieves.

ESPN praised Spatola's perspective as a commentator, noting his background as a student-athlete, veteran, coach and broadcaster. The network said he was respected by colleagues, coaches, players and viewers.