Saturday’s men’s basketball game between East Carolina and Tulane University was postponed following the sudden death of radio host Jeff Charles.
Charles died in New Orleans on Friday while accompanying the men’s basketball teamaccording to East Carolina University.
The East Carolina Pirates logo on the field at a college football game between the Tulane Green Wave and the East Carolina Pirates on November 7, 2020, at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, NC (Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Charles had been broadcasting ECU track games for over 30 years, including 15 bowl games and over 1,000 basketball games.
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WNCT Greenville reported that Charles, 70, suffered a «medical incident» and was treated by ECU trainers and then emergency personnel before dying shortly after.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of Jeff Charles, the longtime Voice of the Pirates,” ECU athletic director Jon Gilbert said in a statement. «Our thoughts and prayers are with Debby, Britt and all of her family and friends. Jeff was a true professional in every sense of the word who had a unique ability to bring the game to life and connect with listeners.
The Williams Arena Center Court logo during a game between the Connecticut Huskies and the East Carolina Pirates on February 29, 2020 in Greenville, NC (Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
«It means so much to all of ECU’s football, basketball and baseball fans, and we know the Pirate Nation is mourning together tonight. Their iconic ‘You Can Paint This Purple’ will continue to be an integral part of ECU history.» Athletics».
East Carolina football coach Mike Houston posted on social media to offer his prayers to the family.
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«Received the news tonight…devastating…Jeff was the consummate professional…always on time and always first class,» Houston wrote. «My thoughts and prayers are with his family. All Prate [sic] The nation cries with you. We love you Jeff.»
Phillip Rogers, Chancellor of ECU, also expressed his condolences to Charles’s family.
«If you know [ECU Athletics], you know jeff charles. His [Pirate] the pride was evident on every broadcast and every game,» Rogers posted on Twitter. «He will be sorely missed. Sending prayers to the Charles family.»
Charles was named North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year in 2000 and 2014 by the National Association of Sportscasters and Sportswriters, according to the school.
An American Athletic Conference logo during a game between the Tulsa Golden Hurricane and the Cincinnati Bearcats on February 1, 2023, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati. (Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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The game between the two American Athletic Conference schools has not yet been rescheduled.