South Alabama assistant head coach, and former Auburn all-American linebacker, Kurt Crain was found dead in his home Tuesday afternoon at the age of 47.
Local police say he apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
WSFA writes that Crain was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference selection after leading Auburn in tackles in 1986 and 1987. In his two seasons on the Plains, the Tigers were 19-3-2, won the 1987 Southeastern Conference title and finished in the Associated Press top-10 both season. During his All-America campaign, he recorded a team-leading 168 tackles and five interceptions.
“The entire Auburn family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kurt Crain, who was a great man, husband, father, coach and friend,” Auburn Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs said. “Kurt was a fierce competitor who loved the game of football as much as he loved Auburn. He was a tremendous player and an outstanding leader who was an integral part of the success that Auburn football achieved during his career. More importantly, Kurt was an incredible individual who I was blessed to be friends with for over 25 years.”
After Auburn, Crain was drafted by the Houston Oilers and spent two seasons in the NFL with the Oilers and Green Bay Packers. Crain joined the South Alabama staff in 2008, working with inside linebackers.
According to a report by SB Nation , Kurt Crain was suffering from prostatitis, an infection of the prostate, a condition which caused him to miss practices and one of South Alabama’s games.
The report adds that Crain had undergone three surgeries during the season and had lost 32 pounds in the early stages of his illness. Most of his prostate had been removed.
Kurt Crain is survived by his wife, Susan, sons Blain and Jacob, and daughter Shelby.
via FoxSports
