ESPN college basketball analyst Chris Spatola dies unexpectedly at 47

Death of Chris Spatola

Chris Spatola, an ESPN college basketball analyst and the son-in-law of legendary former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, died unexpectedly on Monday at age 47, the network confirmed Tuesday. No cause of death was disclosed.

ESPN and Krzyzewski family statements

ESPN said Spatola "brought a unique perspective to ESPN's college basketball coverage, shaped by his experiences as a student-athlete, Army veteran, coach and broadcaster." The Krzyzewski family called him "beloved," saying: "Chris served our country, was a devoted husband and father, and was such an important part of our family," and asked for privacy as his wife Jamie Krzyzewski Spatola and their three children grieve.

Family tributes

Spatola's sister-in-law Amanda Spatola, who is married to his brother J.P. Spatola, wrote on an Instagram Story: "There are no adequate words to express the sadness our family feels right now. Chris was so loved, and will be deeply missed."

Career as player, soldier and coach

Spatola was a four-year starter at the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1998 to 2002, scoring 1,543 points to rank 10th on the program's all-time list and fourth in career 3-pointers. After graduation he served as an Army officer on active duty through 2007, including a deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom, then spent five seasons on Krzyzewski's Duke men's basketball staff from 2007 to 2012. He served as a coach for the U.S. Men's National Team that won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 World Championships in Istanbul, and was a member of Duke's 2010 national title staff. He joined ESPN in 2015.

Survivors

Spatola is survived by his wife, Jamie Krzyzewski Spatola, and their three children, John David, Mackenzie and Madeline, as well as his brother J.P. and sister-in-law Amanda.