ESPN college football reporter Edward Aschoff died on Tuesday (December 24) after contracting pneumonia. It was also his 34th birthday.
ESPN released a statement on Aschoff’s passing.
Statement from ESPN: “We are very sorry to have to share the devastating news of the tragic passing of friend and ESPN colleague Edward Aschoff. He died earlier today, his 34th birthday. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, including his fiancée Katy.”
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) December 25, 2019
Aschoff’s death came as a shock, as he was a young, healthy man before contracting pneumonia.
The ESPN talent tweeted about his condition on December 5th, asking followers:
Anyone ever had multifocal (bilateral) pneumonia in their early 30s as some who never gets sick and has a very good immune system? Asking for two friends … my lungs.
— Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) December 5, 2019
Pulmonologist Dr. Humberto Choi of Cleveland Ohio told NBC News, while often thought of as an illness that affects the sick and the elderly, and while older adults, people with weakened immune systems and young children are more at risk, pneumonia can strike indiscriminately.
He also added, “This is an example that anyone can get pneumonia, and it can be severe, even when that person is in good health.”
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs. These air sacs, called alveoli, can fill with fluid, making it difficult to breathe. “The disease can be fatal, especially this time of year, when respiratory infections are more common,” Choi said.
The flu, in particular, can increase a person’s risk of developing pneumonia.
“This is why we talk so much about the flu shot,” Choi said.
Aschoff gave credit to his fiance’ Katy Berteau for taking care of him during his sickness.
Sending prayers for Katy and his family. Rest in peace, Ed Aschoff.
