Florida International University (FIU) linebacker Luke Knox has died at the age of 22, the college announced Thursday.
Knox’s cause of death was not revealed. He is also the younger brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox.
“We are saddened by the sudden passing of Luke Knox, a member of the FIU Football program,” the FIU Athletics Twitter account shared. “We send our thoughts and prayers to Luke’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”
We are saddened by the sudden passing of Luke Knox, a member of the FIU Football program.
We send our thoughts and prayers to Luke’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/07tHUiBByj
— FIU Athletics (@FIUAthletics) August 18, 2022
Knox transferred to FIU from Ole Miss after last season.
“Words cannot express the heartfelt sorrow we feel because of the passing of our teammate and friend, Luke Knox,” FIU coach Mike MacIntyre wrote on social media. “I had the honor of coaching Luke at Ole Miss and at FIU. While I admired his passion for football, his genuine love for his family and teammates is what I will always remember.”
— Coach Mike MacIntyre (@CoachMikeMac) August 18, 2022
Knox’s former head coach Lane Kiffin also shared a statement honoring his former player after discovering the news of his passing.
“There are heavy hearts throughout our football team after the passing of Luke Knox. I am very grateful for my personal relationship and time spent with Luke. He was a tremendous teammate and an even better person who lifted up everyone around him,” Kiffin wrote.
“The Knox family means so much to the Ole Miss family, and our players, staff and the rest of the university extend our deepest sympathies to all those that were touched by Luke’s spirit. I know he is with God now,” he added.
🙏🧎♂️💙@OleMissFB @FIUFootball pic.twitter.com/ofif6Hbyyj
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) August 18, 2022
His high school alma mater Brentwood Academy in Brentwood, Tennessee, also shared the news of their former star’s tragic passing.
“We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Luke Knox ’18. Luke was a faithful friend, a diligent student, and an ideal teammate,” Brentwood Academy shared in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Knox family and his many loved ones who mean so much to our BA community.”
We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Luke Knox ’18. Luke was a faithful friend, a diligent student, and an ideal teammate. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Knox family and his many loved ones who mean so much to our BA community. pic.twitter.com/uknceYCvse
— Brentwood Academy (@baeagles) August 18, 2022
Knox was at Ole Miss before transferring to FIU. He also appeared as a tight end during the 2021 season.
His brother Dawson’s team also expressed their support after the announcement of Knox’s death.
“We’re heartbroken to hear of the sudden passing of Luke Knox,” the Buffalo Bills shared. “Sending all of our thoughts, prayers and support to @Dawson_Knox and the Knox family during this difficult time.”
We’re heartbroken to hear of the sudden passing of Luke Knox.
Sending all of our thoughts, prayers and support to @Dawson_Knox and the Knox family during this difficult time. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mpkTQYnbve
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 18, 2022
FIU players were informed of Knox’s death late Wednesday, with team practices canceled for Thursday.
USA Today reported that no foul play was suspected in Knox’s death. He was reportedly taken to a Miami hospital on Wednesday. An autopsy is expected.