Former Auburn quarterback Jeff Klein passes away
Former Auburn quarterback Jeff Klein passed away on Wednesday, according to former teammate and SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic. The news comes less than a week after he went to a hospital with an unknown back ailment which doctors identified as a serious health risk.
Jeff Klein and his wife Adrienne gave birth to three boys named Cannon, Coley and Clayton. The former college star served as a teacher at Loachapoka High School in Auburn, Alabama and coached baseball and football prior to his death.
“We lost a good one today,” Cubelic posted in a touching tweet. “It was an honor to play in front of you, a privilege to be your friend, and a joy to watch the husband, father & coach you had become. Rest easy 9. Your boys will know your legacy. We love you. War Eagle!”
In his three seasons with the Tigers, Klein threw for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns. His best season came in 1999 as a freshman when he completed 85 of 169 passes for 1,038 yards and six touchdowns in eight games.
More on Jeff Klein
Jeff Klein, who played for Auburn from 1999 to 2001, went to a hospital in Georgia after dealing with severe back pain, according to previous reports. But the severity of the situation was not known. Upon his admission, an MRI found spots on his lower back and his condition continued to worsen.
A GoFundMe page was set up and promoted by former teammates and media members who knew Jeff Klein prior to his death. Donations continue to be accepted here.
“There are still a lot of unknowns about future conditions and outcomes at this point,” read the GoFundMe earlier this week. “What we do know is that Jeff and Adrienne will have a long, difficult road ahead of them. This road will be paved with an unknown amount of financial hardships and other burdens placed on each family member.
“We are asking for your help to ease some of these financial hardships to make the other unavoidable burdens less stressful on Adrienne and the rest of the Klein family. Your generosity will go towards unforeseen medical expenses, utilities and groceries for the family, and any other needs for their three boys: Cannon, Coley, & Clayton.
“At this time, without Jeff teaching in the classroom or coaching on the field, his family will not have a sustainable source of income. We can do what is necessary while Adrienne focuses on this extremely challenging chapter of their lives. We humbly encourage you to do what you can to help support our Coach and his beautiful family.”