Sad news
Virgil Starks, who served the athletic department for the past 10 years as its academic czar, died Saturday night. He turned 46 last week.He was a very happy guy. I never saw him without a smile on his face.
"Words can’t express the feelings of sorrow and mourning that we have at the passing of our dear friend Virgil Starks," athletic director Jay Jacobs said. "Virgil was passionate about all facets of his life and cared for Auburn student-athletes as if they were his own children. He will be dearly missed by all that he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with Virgil’s family, friends and our Auburn Family in these difficult times."
A native of Hartselle, Ala., Starks succumbed to cardiac arrest while returning home after the Auburn football game against Tennessee-Martin.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Tigers Unlimited Foundation in memory of Virgil Starks. All donations will benefit Starks’ passion: The academic and life-skills enhancement of Auburn student-athletes.
Starks is survived by his wife, Donna, and three daughters, Carolyn, Victoria, and Anastasia.
posted by Jay G. Tate at
11:02 AM
16 Comments:
How sad! And so young. Thank you for the news, Jay.
He stood with Chris Evans at senior day yesterday. I guess Chris' peeps couldn't make it. Virgil was a mentor to a lot of these players ...
Was it a sudden health issue?
man. that's tough.
Sounds like a very nice man. Sad to lose him. Prayers sent.
That's so sad. Much to young to be gone.
So sorry to hear of the loss Jay. It is a reminder of how short life really is.
Sorry to hear that.Will be praying for freinds and family.
Sympathies to his family.
Two very sad things there Jay. My prayers are with both the Starks family and the Evans. Not to be able to be there to see son on senior day must be heart breaking. Sounds like Starks was a pretty special person from things I have been hearing about him.
I knew Virgil Starks and he was a great man and he loved Auburn. He truly cared about the athletes and how they performed in the classroom. He wanted everyone, including student support staff to succeed. That is a tough loss for the Auburn family.
That's horrible, especially at such a young age.
I'm guessing it was a sudden issue since he was at the game yesterday.
By the way, we are the 11:30 game next week. Got to love that.
A staunch reminder of the fragility of life and how quickly it comes and goes. Sounds like he made the most of his time here. I hope I do the same. Prayerful regards to the Starks family.
Sudden health issue. Yes.
Thank you for that updated info on the blog, Jay.
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