On Monday the football world was heartbroken to learn of Bill Stewart's passing. The former West Virginia Mountaineers football coach died of an apparent heart attack at just 59-years-old. He leaves behind a wife and son. Reactions to the news continue to poor in from those who knew Stewart.
WVU president Jim Clements released this statement:
"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."
WVU athletic director Oliver Luck said this in a statement released to the press:
"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."
Current Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen released a statement as well:
"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."
For more on the Mountaineers and Stewart, check out The Smoking Musket. Additional news on Stewart's passing will be available in this StoryStream from SB Nation Pittsburgh.