WRAL News has learned that Chris Spatola, a basketball analyst and the son-in-law of former Duke University head coach Mike Krzyzewski, has passed away.
Duke confirmed that Spatola passed away and provided a statement from the Krzyzewski family.
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“There are no words to adequately express our heartbreak over the loss of our beloved Chris Spatola. Chris served our country, was a devoted husband and father, and was such an important part of our family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, thoughts, and prayers we have received during this incredibly difficult time. We respectfully ask for privacy as our entire family, particularly Jamie and her three beautiful children, grieve and process this unimaginable loss.”Krzyzewski family statement on the passing of Chris Spatola
It is unclear how Spatola died. He was 47 years old,
Spatola was an assistant coach for the Blue Devils from 2007 through 2012. Spatola also served as Duke's director of basketball operations during his time in Durham. Before joining the Blue Devils, he was a four-year starter for Army from 1998 to 2002. After his playing days, he served in the United States Army as a battery commander and an executive officer for five years.
Spatola talked with WRAL about his bond with Krzyzewski's family in 2022, saying the story between him and his wife, Jamie, was very similar to the story between Krzyzewski and his wife.
Spatola was also active with USA Basketball under Krzyzewski, working as a court coach for the U.S. Men's National Team that won gold in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, as well as the gold at the 2010 World Championships in Istanbul.
Spatola made the jump to sports media in 2012, working as a basketball analyst for ESPN.
"Chris Spatola brought a unique perspective to ESPN's college basketball coverage, shaped by his experiences as a student-athlete, Army veteran, coach and broadcaster," ESPN said in a statement. "He was thoughtful, prepared, and passionate about the sport, earning the respect of colleagues, coaches, players, and fans alike. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time."
Several friends and colleagues of Spatola took to social media to express their condolences, including former Duke player and ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas.
"I am devastated over the passing of my friend and colleague Chris Spatola. Chris was a wonderful human being. A point guard at West Point, Chris was an Army combat veteran, and a man of great humility and unusually high character. A great family man that was devoted to his wife Jamie and their wonderful family. Chris was selfless…a fabulous colleague and knowledgeable basketball man. With Chris, it was never about him, it was only about the game, the players, the coaches, and the fans. Heartbroken beyond words to lose such a great friend, yet grateful beyond words to have known him." ESPN analyst, Jay Bilas, on the passing of Chris Spatola