The University of Central Florida football team announced the “unexpected” death of their offensive line coach, Shawn Clark.
Clark died at an Orlando-area hospital on Sunday, September 21, with his wife of 17 years, Jonelle Clark, by his side, according to the university. He was 50 years old.
The football coach was admitted to the hospital on September 9 after suffering a medical emergency. He was in stable condition until he died on Sunday.
Shawn and Jonelle shared daughter, Giana, 16, and son Braxton, 16.
In a statement released by University of Central Florida head coach Scott Frost on Sunday, Shawn was described as “so much more than a coach.”
“He was a remarkable man, husband, and father who cared deeply about his players and staff,” Frost, 50, said. “The reaction of our players and coaches to the news this morning is a testament to Shawn’s character and the impact he had on every life that he touched. He was loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jonelle, and children, Giana and Braxton. We are here to support them and will continue to keep them in our hearts and prayers.”
UCF announced Shawn had been hospitalized earlier this month, saying he was “receiving appropriate care.”
Earlier this week, Frost told reporters that Shawn was “doing OK.”
“We are heartbroken by Shawn’s passing,” UCF vice president and director of athletics Terry Mohajir said. “He brought passion, integrity, and a genuine love for people to everything he did. Shawn will be remembered not only for his impact on the game of football, but also for the relationships he built and the example he set as a husband and father. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife and children during this difficult time.”
Shawn joined the UCF coaching staff in December 2024 after five seasons as the head coach at Appalachian State University, his alma mater.
The late coach and his wife celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary in July.
“Happy Anniversary @jonelleclark,” Shawn wrote via Instagram. “17 years, 6 houses, 2 beautiful kids, can’t imagine doing life with anyone else!”
Shawn also celebrated his daughter’s milestone birthday earlier this year on social media, sharing a carousel of photos from throughout her life.
“Happy Sweet 16th baby girl,” he wrote. “We love you.”
Shawn did the same for his son, Braxton, when he became a teenager earlier this year.
“Happy 13th Birthday Braxton!” he shared via Instagram. “We sure are proud of you!”
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