Chris Spatola, basketball commentator and Mike Krzyzewski’s son-in-law, dies at 47

Updated on: September 23, 2026 / 12:15 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Chris Spatola, a college basketball analyst and legendary former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski's son-in-law, died on Tuesday night. He was 47 years old.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Spatola. Chris was a beloved Army veteran, coach, broadcaster, and true friend to the Duke Basketball family," Duke men's basketball said in a statement Wednesday.

"We send our love and condolences to his wife Jamie and three children, the Spatola and Krzyzewski families, and everyone who loved him," it continued.

Spatola was a two-time All-Patriot League player during his four-year career at Army from 1998 to 2002. He later earned commendation medals from his time as a captain, including from his deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He had worked on Krzyzewski's Duke staff from 2007 to 2012, which included the 2010 NCAA championship with current head coach Jon Scheyer as leading scorer.

With heavy hearts this morning, we mourn the passing of Army Basketball alum Chris Spatola ‘02.Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Be Thou at Peace. pic.twitter.com/UIN40YNDgT

Spatola was married to Krzyzewski's daughter, Jamie, an author who has worked with her father on…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/