APThe worst fears regarding the health of former West Virginia coach Bill Stewart have unfortunately come true.
Following up on a previous report from connect-bridgeport.com that stated Stewart was taken to the hospital, WVU announced today that the former coach has passed away from an apparent heart attack.
Stewart was 59 years old.
No other information was given.
Stewart was out golfing at the Stonewall Resort in Lewis County when he suffered the apparent attack. He was taken to the Stonewall Jackson Memorial hospital by ambulance.
In three seasons at West Virginia, Stewart tallied a 27-12 record — three consecutive 9-4 seasons. In 2011, he and WVU parted ways following reports regarding head coach-in-waiting Dana Holgorsen. Holgorsen was named head coach of the Mountaineer program following Stewart’s ousting.
Stewart served as a college football analyst for ESPN this past year.
Obviously, our deepest sympathies go to Stewart’s family, friends and the WVU community, all of whom have lost a remarkable human being.
Updated: 4:40 p.m. ET: WVU has released the following statements following the death of Bill Stewart.
West Virginia President Jim Clements
“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.”
West Virginia Director of Athletics Oliver Luck
“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.”
Football coach Dana Holgorsen
“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.”
Former West Virginia football coach Don Nehlen
“I’m very saddened. I hired Bill in my last year when I was close to retiring. Bill was such a great Mountaineer and a great addition to our staff. It was a terrific hire — he did a great job not only for me, but for Rich and as a head coach. Bill was such a great husband and a great father. Bill Stewart was a great Mountaineer. My heart goes out to Karen and Blaine.”
Bill Stewart is a dam good man and I pray for his speedy recovery.
Get well, Coach Stew!
The man loves WV so much and no matter what others think we love him too. Just finished watching again the Fiesta Bowl. He was the interim coach for that game and he was so excited for the team. What a great man. Please get well soon. I pray for a speedy recovery.
Damn. Worst news imaginable. Was hoping for any other outcome. He was a great coach and got a raw deal from the university, IMO. RIP coach.
All my best to his family and friends and all at WVU – he was really young for this to happen!
Stewart was a good coach,held WV together after R.R run off.Send prayers to the Stewart family,very sad news. Rest in peace.
He’s not really dead as long as we can find a way to remember him.
Rest In Peace Bill Stewart.
Durn sad news. Condolences to his family and the WVU family……
Sad , terrible news , about a great human being . Rest in Peace Coach . . .
There are no words to express our loss. I can’t even think. My prayers go to his family. No more loyal mountaineer ever lived.
I choose to remember Bill Stewart as a man who clearly loved his family, his school, his players, his chosen profession, and, most of all, his home state. Like many others, I won’t forget the dubious coaching decisions, the quotes and clichés, and the Dana Holgorsen rumor scandal that led to his “resignation,” but I will not allow those things, negative as they were, to color my opinion or memories of Coach Stewart. My only hope is that others follow suit.
To the Mountaineer Family, my heart-felt sympathies…….
It’s fitting that it’s raining where I am. Maybe I can conceal some of these tears. God bless and RIP Coach Stew.
If when my time has come and I’m taken from this Earth, if even just a handful of people think as much of me as the tens or hundreds of thousands do Coach Stewart, then I will have done something right and left this world a better place. Rest peacefully, Coach. #LeaveNoDoubt
I was shocked when I heard this news. I am not a West Virginia fan but I liked Bill Stewart. I remember after Rich Rod left the program, how the players stepped up and backed Stewart as the next head coach. He seemed really well liked and respected. It was very touching to see those young guys support a man who truly loved West Virginia and that program. Very sad news…RIP Bill Stewart.
As a Rutgers season ticket holder for many years I want to send my condolences to Mountaineer nation and the Stewart family. He made WVU a little harder to hate and seemed to do things the right way. This one sucks. RIP Coach Stewart.
RIP Coach Stewart
Viewed as a true class act here in Tampa
Even though he was cast aside by the university he loved, he always said the best about WVU. Great man.