Chris Spatola’s sister-in-law shares heartbreaking photo as family mourns death: ‘No adequate words’

ESPN college basketball analyst Chris Spatola’s sister-in-law, Amanda Spatola, shared a message from their family after the Worldwide Leader confirmed he died unexpectedly at the age of 47 on Monday.

“There are no adequate words to express the sadness our family feels right now,” Amanda, who is married to Chris’ brother, J.P. Spatola, wrote in an Instagram Story post, including a snapshot of her, J.P., Chris and his wife, Jamie.

“Chris was so loved, and will be deeply missed. Grateful we got this night together back in June. Love you Chris.”

(L-R) J.P. Spatola, Amanda Spatola, Chris Spatola, and Jamie Spatola (Krzyzewski). Instagram/Amanda Spatola
SiriusXM host Chris Spatola speaks during the NCAA final Four radio broadcast on radio row at the Minneapolis Convention Center on April 5, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Getty Images for SiriusXM

No cause of death was revealed, as of Wednesday.

Chris was the son-in-law of legendary college basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and a member of his Duke men’s basketball staff from 2007-12.

“There are no words to adequately express our heartbreak over the loss of our beloved Chris Spatola,” the Krzyzewski family said in a statement. “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 [John David, Mackenzie and Madeline] grieve and process this unimaginable loss.” 

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski (R) and SiriusXM host Chris Spatola pose for a photo during SiriusXM’s Town Hall With Hall Of Fame Coach Mike Krzyzewski at Bill Brill Media Room in Cameron Indoor Stadium on May 31, 2018. Getty Images for SiriusXM

Chris also served as a coach for the United States Men’s National Team that won gold in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and gold in the 2010 World Championships in Istanbul.

He was a four-year starter on the basketball team at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, and served as a graduate assistant coach for Army in the 2002-03 season.

After graduating in 2002, he became an officer in the United States Army, and was a soldier in firefights in Iraq.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski (L) sits down with SiriusXM host Chris Spatola for SiriusXM’s Town Hall With Hall Of Fame Coach Mike Krzyzewski at Bill Brill Media Room in Cameron Indoor Stadium on May 31, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Getty Images for SiriusXM

Chris joined ESPN as a college basketball analyst in 2015 and he was a host for SiriusXM.

“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.”

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