ESPN’s Chris Spatola dies unexpectedly at 47, network confirms

ESPN college basketball analyst Chris Spatola has died unexpectedly at the age of 47, the network announced on Tuesday.

ESPN said Spatola, a former West Point basketball player and US Army combat veteran, had “passed away unexpectedly Monday.” A cause of death was not disclosed.

“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,” the network added.

Spatola joined ESPN in 2015 after a career spanning basketball, coaching and military service and was also the son-in-law of legendary Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Fellow ESPN analyst Jay Bilas paid tribute to his longtime colleague, saying he was “devastated” by the news.

“Chris was a wonderful human being,” Bilas said.

Spatola played for Army from 1998 to 2002, scoring 1,543 points across 111 games. He remains the 10th-highest scorer in the programme’s history, averaging 13.9 points per game.