ESPN Analyst Chris Spatola Dies at 47
The short version
- Chris Spatola died at 47; no cause of death was disclosed
- ESPN college basketball analyst since 2015
- Served in the US Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Was on Duke's staff for the 2010 national title under Mike Krzyzewski
- Married to Krzyzewski's daughter Jamie; they had three children
The college basketball broadcaster, Army veteran and former Duke assistant was married to Mike Krzyzewski's daughter Jamie.
Chris Spatola, an ESPN college basketball analyst since 2015, has died at 47. No cause of death was given, and Duke said in a statement that he passed away unexpectedly.
Spatola was a former Army guard who served on active duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom in the 2000s. He later joined the Duke basketball staff under head coach Mike Krzyzewski and was part of the program's 2010 national championship season.
He was also Krzyzewski's son-in-law, married to Jamie Krzyzewski Spatola. The couple had three children.
In its statement, ESPN said Spatola brought a distinctive perspective to its coverage built on his time as a student-athlete, Army veteran, coach and broadcaster, and that he earned the respect of colleagues, coaches, players and fans.
Duke's statement described him as the witty emcee of its K Academy and a passionate, dedicated coach who was a major part of the Duke Basketball family.
