ESPN colleagues pay tribute to Edward Aschoff following his tragic passing

We have terrible news to share on Christmas Day as 34-year-old ESPN college football reporter Edward Aschoff has passed away following a battle with pneumonia.

The news came down Tuesday evening and is as devastating as it is shocking considering all that Aschoff had in front of him. Aschoff died on his birthday and was planning to get married in April.

“We are very sorry to have to share the devastating news of the tragic passing of friend and ESPN colleague Edward Aschoff,” ESPN said in a statement. “He died earlier today, his 34th birthday. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, including his fiancée, Katy.”

If you missed it during the Hawai’i Bowl, ESPN paid tribute to Aschoff and shared the news with viewers of the game on Tuesday night:

ESPN announced the passing of Edward Aschoff just now as they head into commercial during the Hawaii Bowl. Made sure to add a few seconds of all black before first commercial aired. Handled as well as you can with such terrible news. pic.twitter.com/cgGDnYHK2L

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 25, 2019

It didn’t take long for Aschoff’s colleagues at ESPN to share their thoughts on the man that touched their lives.

I was out a few weeks ago with some friends. This was before we knew how sick Ed was. TVs were on. ESPN was showing something on Joe Burrow, video from earlier in the year. There was Burrow and a crowd of reporters. And Ed.

— ??️♈️? (@ADavidHaleJoint) December 25, 2019

People will say that Ed is gone too young, and that's true. But I also can't imagine anyone getting more out of 34 years than he did. He had this smile that was part inspiring and part mischievous – like he was about to let you in on a joke that only he knew.

— ??️♈️? (@ADavidHaleJoint) December 25, 2019

People will say his best work was ahead of him, and that's true too. But he inspired so many people that he worked with — up-and-coming reporters and guys who've been doing this for years and years. He made us all more confident. Ed's work will keep going for a long, long time.

— ??️♈️? (@ADavidHaleJoint) December 25, 2019

The year before, Ed was in charge of it. He was happy to have it off his plate, he told me. Actually he just cackled like Mr. Burns. He knew he'd gotten off easy. But after the 1st one I wrote, he called me to tell me how good it was.

— ??️♈️? (@ADavidHaleJoint) December 25, 2019

I wish I could tell you how rare that is in this business, where even your best friends are, at the end of the day, competitors for the same eyeballs and page space as you. Never felt that way with Ed though. He wanted to see you succeed. It made him happy.

— ??️♈️? (@ADavidHaleJoint) December 25, 2019

There's a Twain quote that’s always stuck w/me: "Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel you can be great, too.” That was Ed. He made everyone feel special and that’s the mark of how great he really was.

— ??️♈️? (@ADavidHaleJoint) December 25, 2019

You can say a little prayer for his fiancee, for all his coworkers, for his family — if that’s your thing. But better than that, I’d ask… Try to see life a little more like he did, to see the good in people and remind them of it, too. The world will be a better place.

— ??️♈️? (@ADavidHaleJoint) December 25, 2019

So many people waking up on this glorious day to the devastating news about @AschoffESPN. Everyone whose life he touched is heartbroken. He was a wonderful person and an extraordinary journalist. Prayers to his family and many friends.

— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) December 25, 2019

Closest thing I had to a baby brother in this business. I learned a lot more from @AschoffESPN than he ever did from me. What a light he was to all of us. God bless you ATL Kid. pic.twitter.com/rIfcRrZkIR

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) December 25, 2019

What I admire most about @AschoffESPN — beyond his talent and drive — is his good nature. He suffered loss at a young age, yet was always sunny and upbeat. His enthusiasm was contagious. The holiday season has turned sober, reflective. Edward has reminded me how precious life is.

— Ivan Maisel (@Ivan_Maisel) December 25, 2019

Edward Aschoff was my other little brother and I don’t have the words to fill the hole in my heart tonight. pic.twitter.com/VESoFgGVCf

— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) December 25, 2019

This is how I’ll remember Ed: Happy, vibrant, fun. We should all strive to enjoy life as much as he did. pic.twitter.com/IX5rBtXgHi

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 25, 2019

A heartbreaking morning thinking about Ed Aschoff. I worked at The Gainesville Sun when Ed joined the staff right out of college. I got so much joy watching his star rise because he was such a great dude. Joyful, genuine, funny and caring. RIP, Ed.

— Brandon Zimmerman (@BZSEC) December 25, 2019

SDS Staff

Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.