The ex-offensive lineman for the South Carolina Gamecocks football program, D.J. Park, has died at 29 years old, his USC assistant coach Shawn Elliott announced.
The former lineman was part of the program for five seasons during the 2010s, which was the space of a decade.
Elliott wrote of the news:
“Saddened to hear about the passing of former Gamecock OL DJ Park. DJ was an awesome individual with a huge heart. You will be missed my friend.”
Saddened to hear about the passing of former Gamecock OL DJ Park. DJ was an awesome individual with a huge heart. You will be missed my friend. pic.twitter.com/lOFGigifM0
— Shawn Elliott USC (@CoachSElliott) March 4, 2024
South Carolina fans expressed sadness for Park’s passing.
“Some extremely sad news coming out of Columbia, SC tonight as Shawn Elliott announces that former Gamecock OL DJ Park has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family tonight,” one fan wrote.
Some extremely sad news coming out of Columbia, SC tonight as Shawn Elliott announces that former Gamecock OL DJ Park has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family tonight. pic.twitter.com/Ix1wCUwKLl
— Famously Garnet Sports (@FamouslyGarnet) March 4, 2024
247 Sports reported that Park ranked in the top 20 among offensive linemen and was a standout football star for Dillon High School (South Carolina).
The Daily Caller noted:
From 2013-17, Park suited up for South Carolina, playing every game in the ’16 and ’17 campaigns before pursuing a career in professional football.
He would eventually join the Canadian Football League in 2018, signing with the Argonauts for a short time.
Talking to The State, Park’s ex-high school coach Kevin Roller said that Park had been suffering health issues as of late.
Park’s sister, Breanna, wrote on Facebook following her brother’s passing.
“To KNOW DJ/Joseph Park was to LOVE him,” she wrote.
“I could write a novel but I’ll just leave it at that for now. I’ll miss you forever but at least you can rest easy now.”
“We all mourn the loss of a great Dillon Wildcat DJ Park! RIP Gone too soon!” Roller posted on X.
“Prayers up for his family. Big guy with an even bigger smile. RIP DJ,” Said former USC QB Seth Strickland via X.
As The State noted:
Park played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl and was a member of the MaxPreps All-American team for small schools as a senior. At USC, Park played in 44 games with five starts during his career. He played both guard and tackle.
Park’s high school coach, Kevin Roller, said the former tackle had been suffering health issues before his passing.
