The worst fears regarding the health of former West Virginia coach Bill Stewart have unfortunately come true.
Following up on a previous report from connect-bridgeport.com that stated Stewart was taken to the hospital, WVU announced today that the former coach has passed away from an apparent heart attack.
Stewart was 59 years old.
No other information was given.
Stewart was out golfing at the Stonewall Resort in Lewis County when he suffered the apparent attack. He was taken to the Stonewall Jackson Memorial hospital by ambulance.
In three seasons at West Virginia, Stewart tallied a 27-12 record -- three consecutive 9-4 seasons. In 2011, he and WVU parted ways following reports regarding head coach-in-waiting Dana Holgorsen. Holgorsen was named head coach of the Mountaineer program following Stewart’s ousting.
Stewart served as a college football analyst for ESPN this past year.
Obviously, our deepest sympathies go to Stewart’s family, friends and the WVU community, all of whom have lost a remarkable human being.
Updated: 4:40 p.m. ET: WVU has released the following statements following the death of Bill Stewart.
West Virginia President Jim Clements
“Mountaineer nation is truly saddened today to learn of the untimely passing of Coach Bill Stewart. Our hearts go out to the Stewart family and Bill’s many friends. He was a compassionate, energetic, and kind person. He loved his family dearly and was extremely community-oriented and very giving of his time. He will be greatly missed.”
West Virginia Director of Athletics Oliver Luck
“Coach Stewart was a rock-solid West Virginian and a true Mountaineer. His enthusiasm and passion for his state’s flagship University was infectious. We join all Mountaineers in mourning his passing.”
Football coach Dana Holgorsen
“Like all of us in the West Virginia community, I am shocked and saddened by the passing of Coach Stewart. The State of West Virginia, our University and our football program has lost a true Mountaineer who gave his native state university a decade of coaching service and a lifetime of guidance and inspiration to thousands of young men over a 33-year career. Though Coach Stewart achieved many great milestones on the field, we will most remember his kindness and compassion. Our football family expresses our deepest sympathy to Karen, Blaine and the extended Stewart family.”
Former West Virginia football coach Don Nehlen
“I’m very saddened. I hired Bill in my last year when I was close to retiring. Bill was such a great Mountaineer and a great addition to our staff. It was a terrific hire -- he did a great job not only for me, but for Rich and as a head coach. Bill was such a great husband and a great father. Bill Stewart was a great Mountaineer. My heart goes out to Karen and Blaine.”