Aschoff, ESPN college football reporter, dies at 34
Edward Aschoff, a college football reporter for ESPN, died Tuesday after a brief illness. He was 34.
“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.”
Aschoff started working for ESPN in 2011 as an Atlanta-based SEC reporter for ESPN.com. He moved to Los Angeles in 2017 to begin a more expanded national role that included television coverage. Over the past three seasons, Aschoff reported from campuses across the country for ESPN.com, SportsCenter, SEC Network and ESPN Radio, and worked as a television and radio sideline reporter during college football games.
“Ed was one of the smartest, brightest reporters I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” ESPN executive editor Lauren Reynolds said. “Watching him grow from our co-SEC reporter with Chris Low to a multiplatform national reporter was a treat. For as good of a reporter Ed was, he was an even better person. He always put people first — those whose stories he told, and those who had the honor of working alongside him.
“The outpouring of love and support from those whose lives he touched has been overwhelming, and is a testament to the light he brought to this world.”
In a tweet posted Tuesday night, ESPN senior vice president Rob King described Aschoff as “a ray of light.”
“He smiled with his entire being, loved his fiancée and family, and brought joy to the job,” King said in his tweet. “I hope you knew him, too.”
Several of Aschoff’s fellow college football reporters also took to social media to remember him.
Edward Aschoff was one of my closest friends. He was was one the most genuine, enthusiastic, personable people I’ve ever and he made the world a better place.
Today is unspeakably sad and I’m devastated for Katy and his family.
Ed Aschoff is one of the best people I know. Talented, kind, fun, gracious and always positive. A great colleague and an even better friend. All of us are devastated and heartbroken. Just isn’t fair. I love you, Ed, and will miss you. Prayers to Katy and Ed’s family. https://t.co/jJQBE441Fv
Devastated about Ed Aschoff’s passing. One of the kindest, warm-hearted people I’ve ever met. And, if you were lucky enough to have gotten to know him, there’s no question you feel that way too.. God, he will be missed.
Can’t fathom the idea I won’t get to see Ed Aschoff again. Can’t fathom how this even happened. He was so damn young and so damn talented. This is a brutal loss.
A native of Oxford, Mississippi, Aschoff graduated from the University of Florida in 2008. He worked at The Gainesville Sun in Florida for four years, covering Gators football and recruiting, until he left for ESPN.
Aschoff and his fiancée, Katy, were set to be married in New Orleans in April.