UM Linebacker Chris Campbell Passes Away In Auto Accident

Feb. 16, 2002

Send Your Thoughts and Prayers

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – Chris Campbell, a linebacker who just completed his senior season with the University of Miami football team, died in a one-car auto accident early Saturday morning in Coral Gables. Campbell, of Mount Pleasant, Texas, was 21 years old.

“Our hearts go out to Chris’s family at this time,” said Miami head football coach Larry Coker. “Chris’s death is a tremendous tragedy and a terrible loss for the Miami football family. On behalf of the entire Miami football program, I’d like to express our deepest sympathies and our condolences to Chris’s family.”

“Chris was a wonderful young man,” said University of Miami President Dr. Donna E. Shalala. “His death is a tragedy for our whole community.”

“The Hurricane Athletic Department mourns Chris’s passing,” said Director of Athletics Paul Dee. “He was an exceptional young man. Chris and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Campbell had been a starter for the Hurricanes at strongside linebacker since midway through the 1999 season, starting 30 consecutive games before missing the 2002 Rose Bowl after suffering an infection to his left knee following minor surgery. Campbell finished third on the team with 68 tackles in 2001.

Funeral arrangements are pending.