The college football world and the Appalachian State Mountaineers football team suffered a grave loss last week as offensive lineman John “Jack” Murphy tragically passed away on Friday.
A university spokesperson confirmed the news of Murphy’s tragic passing to ESPN this week but did not give details regarding the cause of death, only revealing that no foul play was suspected.
“The hearts of the App State community are with Jack’s loved ones during this very difficult time,” Megan Hayes, senior associate vice chancellor and chief communications officer, said in a statement given to ESPN. “We are respecting his family’s wishes and requests and are providing support and assistance as requested.”
Obviously, such a tragic and unexpected death left the Appalachian State community mourning with many taking to social media to express their condolences and sorrow, including head coach Shawn Clark.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jack Murphy. He was a beloved Mountaineer. Please keep his loved ones and our App State family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/JsACv8lhqU
— Shawn Clark (@coach_sclark) April 30, 2024
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jack Murphy. He was a beloved Mountaineer. Please keep his loved ones and our App State family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” Clark said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
And Clark certainly wasn’t the only one mourning the loss as social media was flooded with tributes for the fallen player.
Jack Murphy’s personality was infectious and his heart was gold!!! He will be missed much more for what he brought off the field as what he did on the field! Prayers out to his wonderful family! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/RoCmMzELtL
— Mark Speir (@CoachSpeir) May 1, 2024
To all impacted by the passing of Jack Murphy…my hope is that peace will come to you in time.
I did not know Jack, but I know a young life is not a full life, and therein lies a deep sense of loss.
May his family and friends be surrounded by the love and comfort of others.
— Brian K. Hasson (@BrianKHasson) April 30, 2024
Tragedy at App State as Jack Murphy, redshirt junior RT, has died.https://t.co/0f68L3OPnS pic.twitter.com/PLj2hZNgwh
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) April 29, 2024
Prayers go out to the Murphy family as well as @AppState_FB https://t.co/kXRpChUtEf
— Josh Miller (@coachmiller2525) May 1, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family. He was a pleasure to coach and he will certainly be missed. https://t.co/JVCza1YSRW
— Joey Partin (@CoachPartin) April 30, 2024
Keeping everyone with the @AppState_FB program in our thoughts 🩵 https://t.co/tf7d9APNp2
— Coastal Football (@CoastalFootball) April 30, 2024
Being teammates with Jack he always had high energy and was so much to play with on the offensive line at Fork Union. Shocked and heartbroken by this news is an understatement. Praying deeply for his family, teammates, and friends. Psalm 34:17-20 https://t.co/ADbLai54hA
— Hayden Knighton (@hayden_knighton) April 30, 2024
Rest in Paradise Murph. The memories we made together are something I will never forget. Great ball player and an even better person. You will be missed brother. Until I see you again đź’š https://t.co/sfVvawXK4x
— Ethan Ingram (@EthanIngram55) April 30, 2024
Murphy started 14 games for Appalachian State during the 2023 season and earned third-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2023.
It’s obviously a tragic loss for the Appalachian State Mountaineer community.
[ESPN]
