Western Carolina offensive line coach John Peacock has died, the program announced Friday.
Peacock passed at his home Wednesday; the cause of death was not disclosed. (Editor's note: See update at bottom)
"Known by his colleagues and student-athletes as a selfless, hard worker who was always upbeat and constantly humming and singing, Coach Peacock will be sorely missed," the program said in a statement.
Peacock joined the program this spring following a year as the offensive line coach, run game coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Tusculum. He helped Tusculum lead the South Atlantic Conference with 533.4 yards per game in the spring 2021 season.
Prior to Tusculum, he spent three seasons coaching tight ends and fullbacks at Valdosta State, his alma mater. A native of Gainesville, Fla., Peacock spent eight years at Buchholz High School in his hometown before returning to Valdosta.
Peacock was set to marry his fiancé, Erika Alexander, in February.
The Catamounts will hold a moment of silence in Peacock's honor before their Sept. 4 opener versus Eastern Kentucky.
Sunday Update> Coach Peacock's fiance Erika Alexander shared publicly that Peacock died due to complications from Covid. (via Charlotte Observer) Alexander pleaded on Facebook for people to take COVID-19 seriously and get vaccinated. “Since being up in North Carolina together we had so much fun putting together our little home, exploring the area, and taking trips,” she posted. “The day before, he had to start camp (which was why he was working 16 hour days) he told me how incredibly happy he was that we were living together once again.
“I love him more than words could ever possibly explain,” she said. “My life will never ever ever be the same.”
Our prayers are withe you Erika. May God embrace John, and may he always smile down upon you.