Chris Spatola, a former basketball player at West Point, has died at the age of 47. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the family of Mike Krzyzewski, the legendary former Duke men’s basketball coach. Spatola was married to Krzyzewski’s daughter, Jamie.
Spatola’s contributions to the sport and his connection to a prominent basketball family have left a lasting impact on the community. Further details regarding the cause of death have not been disclosed at this time.
Chris Spatola Remembered by Family
The Krzyzewski family released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of Chris Spatola, who passed away recently. They described him as a devoted husband, father, and a veteran who served his country.
“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,” the statement read.
He was hired by Mike and was a member of the Duke men’s basketball coaching staff from 2007-2012, according to Spatola’s official webpage. The team went on to win gold in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and gold in the 2010 World Championships in Istanbul. Chris Spatola is survived by his wife, Jamie Krzyzewski Spatola, the eldest daughter of Hall of Fame basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and his wife Mickie Krzyzewski. The couple shared three children. it has consistently kept the children’s identities and personal lives private While the Krzyzewski family acknowledged them in its statement. Spatola also served as a court coach for the United States Men’s National Team. The family added in their statement that they were grateful for the support they had received and asked for privacy, especially for Jamie and the couple’s three children.
