Former coaching icon tragically dies from stomach cancer.
Jeff Thorne has tragically passed away. The former Western Michigan University assistant football coach passed away last week at the age of 53. He is also the father of former Michigan State University quarterback Payton Thorne.
Multiple outlets have reported that Thorne died Tuesday of stomach cancer.
Several people took to social media to express their sentiments over this tragic loss. Former MSU football coach Mark Dantonio called Thorne “an outstanding mentor, father and husband.”
The WMU football team’s account said, “Coach Thorne’s impact will not be forgotten by the Bronco family.”
Jeff Thorne was diagnosed with stomach cancer in February. Unfortunately, he learned over the summer that the tumor was inoperable.
His death comes months after Eugene F. “Buddy” Teevens lost his life. It was following the injuries he sustained from a bike accident. He was 66 years old. His injuries left him to navigate a “challenging” spinal cord injury. That was in addition to having his right leg amputated.
In July, Prairie Grove High School coach Blake Williford lost his life in a car crash. He died on the scene. University of Central Florida offensive line coach Shawn Clark died suddenly in September.
More On Jeff Thorne
Jeff Thorne has left an entire community in mourning over his death. Before his death, he made his name as a coach, leading the North Central College football team to its first NCAA Division III national championship in 2019.
He was inducted into NCC’s Athletic Hall of Fame in October.
In his playing days, he played quarterback, first under his father at Wheaton Central. He then played at Eastern Illinois. Thorne made history as his 6,578 career passing yards rank fourth on the university’s all-time list. His numbers are behind Jimmy Garoppolo, Sean Payton, and Tony Romo.
He is survived by his parents, John and Kathie; his wife, Joanna; and his children, Payton, Noelle, and Lauren.
