Sept. 22 (UPI) — Shawn Clark, an assistant football coach for the University of Central Florida, has died almost two weeks after a medical emergency, the school announced Monday. He was 50.
The Knights said Clark died while with his wife, Jonelle, at his side Sunday at an Orlando, Fla., area hospital. Clark was admitted Sept. 9 after experiencing the emergency, but remained in stable condition until his death. The cause has not been disclosed.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Giana and son Braxton.
“Shawn was so much more than a coach,” Knights coach Scott Frost said in a news release. “He was a remarkable man, husband, and father who cared deeply about his players and staff.
“The reaction of our players and coaches to the news this morning is a testament to Shawn’s character and the impact he had on every life that he touched. He was loved.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jonelle, and children, Giana and Braxton. We are here to support them and will continue to keep them in our hearts and prayers.”
Clark joined the Knights staff in December to work as offensive line coach. He previously served as head coach at Appalachian State, where he compiled a 40-24 record and 3-1 mark in bowl games.
Clark, who played on the offensive line at Appalachian State from 1994 to 1998, also worked as an offensive line coach at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue and Kent State.
“We are heartbroken by Shawn’s passing,” UCF vice president and athletic director Terry Mohajir said. “He brought passion, integrity and a genuine love for people to everything he did.
“Shawn will be remembered not only for his impact on the game of football, but also for the relationships he built and the example he set as a husband and father. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife and children during this difficult time.”
The Knights (3-0) will battle the Kansas State Wildcats (1-3) on Saturday in Manhattan, Kan.
Robert Redford
Hollywood legend Robert Redford (L) and his wife Sibylle Szaggars arrive on the red carpet before the screening of the film “All Is Lost” during the 66th annual Cannes International Film Festival in France on May 22, 2013. Redford, an actor, filmmaker and environmentalist who started the Sun Dance Film Festival and who starred in films such as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” died at the age of 89 on September 16. Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
