Former South Carolina University football player D.J. Park has died at just 29 years old, according to reports.
The unexpected death of Park was announced by Gamecocks coach Shawn Elliott.
Elliott was an offensive line coach for the Gamecocks when Park was on the team.
He recently re-joined the program as a passing game coordinator.
The former offensive lineman also played briefly for the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts.
In a post on X, Elliott wrote on X:
“Saddened to hear about the passing of former Gamecock OL DJ Park.
“DJ was an awesome individual with a huge heart.
“You will be missed my friend.”
Saddened to hear about the passing of former Gamecock OL DJ Park. DJ was an awesome individual with a huge heart. You will be missed my friend. pic.twitter.com/lOFGigifM0
— Shawn Elliott USC (@CoachSElliott) March 4, 2024
Breana Park also confirmed her brother’s death on social, according to The State.
In a post on Facebook, she wrote:
“To KNOW DJ/Joseph Park was to LOVE him.
“I could write a novel but I’ll just leave it at that for now.
“I’ll miss you forever but at least you can rest easy now.”
Former USC QB Seth Strickland said in a post on X:
“Prayers up for his family.
“Big guy with an even bigger smile. RIP DJ.”
Park was a standout football player for Dillon High School in South Carolina.
He was among the top 20 offensive tackles in the country when he joined the Gamecocks, according to 247 Sports.
Park played for the Gamecocks from 2013 to 2017.
He played each game in the 2016 and 2017 seasons before he left the game to pursue a professional career.
In 2018, he signed briefly with the Argonauts.
At USC, Park played in 44 games with five starts during his career.
He played both guard and tackle.
No cause of death has been revealed.
READ MORE – 25% of Vaxxed Now Have VAIDS, Top Scientists Warn