KU football program ‘heartbroken’ following death of 21-year-old manager Jack Roche
The University of Kansas football team is “heartbroken,” in the words of coach Les Miles, to learn of the death of Jack Roche, a senior manager who died Saturday night after being hit by a vehicle while walking in Mount Greenwood, a community on the far south side of Roche’s hometown of Chicago.
The Chicago Sun Times reported Sunday that a 2015 Honda SUV was southbound at 11:53 p.m. Saturday in the 11100 block of South Pulaski Road when a pedestrian in his 20s (Roche, who was not named in the article) walked into the street, according to Chicago police. The SUV struck the pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. No other injuries were reported.
The male driver of the Honda stayed at the scene after the crash, police told the Sun Times
On Sunday, patch.com indicated the victim indeed was 21-year-old John Roche, Jr.
“The Cook County Medical Examiner ruled Roche’s death an accident due to multiple injuries from being struck by a motor vehicle. Roche lived in the 11000 block of South Keeler Avenue,” the Patch article stated. “No citations have been issued and alcohol did not appear to be a factor, police said. The Chicago Police Department Major Accidents is investigating the accident.”
Tributes to Roche have poured in via social media.
“The KU football family is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Jack Roche. Jack was a tremendous, hard working young man who embodied what our program is all about,” second-year KU coach Miles wrote on Twitter. “We will remember Jack and he will forever be a part of our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roches.”
Former KU player and assistant coach Clint Bowen, now the defensive coordinator at North Texas, wrote on Twitter of 2017 Chicago Marist High graduate Roche, who was to begin his fourth year as manager: “@coach_roche12 always had a smile and was a great @KU_Football fan and teammate. Never forget meeting him for first time at Marist High. What a sad day!”
In response to Bowen’s Tweet, Roche’s dad, John, wrote on Twitter: “Thanks Coach for taking him on as a manager. He absolutely loved his job and everyone at KU.”
Former KU defensive lineman Daniel Wise tweeted: “It hurts to lose someone from the Jayhawk family. Great kid! Rest in Peace #livelikeroche.”
KU football equipment assistant Trevor Pueblo wrote on Twitter on Sunday: “Jack was a special one of a kind equipment manager. Never came to work without a smile and made sure everyone that crossed his path left with a smile.”
Pueblo added: “The KU Football Equipment Room won’t be the same without you. Going to miss my ‘seat buddy’ for road games and your infectious personality that you brought with you everyday. You can have my window seat anytime on the team charters. Love you and miss you @coach_roche12 #RIP.”
The Marist High baseball account tweeted: “Very sad to say that the Marist family and baseball program lost a legend today. Jack Roche from the 2017 class was one of the classiest people to walk the halls of Marist High school. Every manager we get always mentions that they want to be the next Jack Roche. Rip Jack.”
The Marist lacrosse team wrote: “Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Jack Roche. What a wonderful, considerate young man. Gone too soon…”
The Marist girls golf program said: “Thoughts and prayers for the Roche family during this time.. Jack embodied the true meaning of being a redhawk and left a beautiful mark everywhere he went.. Forever in our heartsRed heart #coachroche.”
Chicago Fenwick High football coach Matt Battaglia said: “Taken from us far too soon. Jack was as selfless as anyone could be and was an unsung hero for the Marist football teams who put in HOURS of work behind the scenes. Deepest condolences and prayers for the Roche family. RIP Jack. Heaven got a great one far too soon.”
And Hinsdale (Illinois) Central assistant coach Ryan McHugh wrote: “Terribly saddened and shocked to hear this today. Jack was a tireless worker who excelled at everything he did. Jack would spend countless hours working to help our program in whatever way was needed. My prayers are with the Roche family in this very tragic time. RIP Coach Roche.”
The Lawn Aqua Community of Chicago’s South Side issued a tribute to Roche that appeared on Clint Bowen’s Twitter account.
“Words cannot describe the sorrow the Lawn Aqua Community feels this morning. ... the world was already a dark place before this happened and is a far darker place this morning. Jack was an excellent student, a superb musician, student manager for the Kansas Jayhawk football team and an all-world son to Kim and John and big brother to Patrick and Lilly.
“The St. Catherine’s parish, Marist High School and Kansas Jayhawk communities have lost a shining star. Let’s all keep the memory of Jack alive forever and commit to making our world a better place each and every day. Rest in peace, Jack.”
This story was originally published July 13, 2020 at 10:29 AM with the headline "KU football program ‘heartbroken’ following death of 21-year-old manager Jack Roche."
