Western Carolina OL Coach John Peacock Dies of COVID-19 Complications at 32

Rob Goldberg @@TheRobGoldbergFeatured Columnist IVAugust 21, 2021

Western Carolina's helmet on the field before the start of an NCAA college football game between Texas A&M and Western Carolina Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M defeated Western Carolina 41-17. (AP Photo/Juan DeLeon)

AP Photo/Juan DeLeon

Western Carolina offensive line coach John Peacock died Wednesday at the age of 32, the school announced:

Western Carolina Athletics @Catamounts
Catamount Nation... we ask that you please keep the family and loved ones of WCU assistant football coach John Peacock in your thoughts and prayers. <a href="https://t.co/jCvPwntRj3">pic.twitter.com/jCvPwntRj3</a>

His fiancee, Erika Alexander, announced on Facebook that Peacock died due to complications from COVID-19 just five days after testing positive, per Jim Rice of the Asheville Citizen Times. The two were planning to get married in February 2022.

Peacock was hired as the team's offensive line coach this past spring under new head coach Kerwin Bell.

Peacock had also worked alongside Bell at his alma mater Valdosta State, winning the NCAA Division II title in 2018. Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II praised his former coach on Twitter:

Kenny Moore II @KennyKennyMoe3
So sad to hear the news of a former coach. Thinking of all the loved ones and everyone else impacted by Coach Peacock. <a href="https://t.co/lZIYhT0mMX">https://t.co/lZIYhT0mMX</a>

Peacock spent last season at Tusculum University, where he served as an offensive line coach, recruiting coordinator and run game coordinator.

The Gainesville, Florida, native also coached at Buchholz High School from 2008 to 2015.

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