Hugh Freeze sends condolences to Bruce Pearl, Zay Walker after family deaths

Tigers stick together. On Wednesday, Auburn men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl‘s father died at 88 years old. Football head coach Hugh Freeze began his press conference by offering his condolences to Pearl and his family.

“Bruce has been just an absolute dear friend of me in every way, with advice or help or support, and he lost his father yesterday,” Freeze said. “Our prayers are with him and his family as they deal with that.”

Bruce’s father, Bernie, raised the family near Boston. Consequently, Bernie was a lifelong fan of New England sports. Nonetheless, he became a massive Auburn fan after Bruce took over the program in 2014.

“He asked, ‘Do you think the people in Auburn would mind if I got buried in an Auburn jersey even though I didn’t go to school there?'” Bruce Pearl recalled in a written statement. “He was a loyal guy. He was grateful to Auburn for giving our whole family the opportunity to lead this basketball program. He watched or listened to every single game.”

Auburn has become home for the Pearl family. Earlier this month, Bruce Pearl promoted his son, Steven, to associate head coach. Steven couldn’t speak highly enough of his grandfather, Bernie.

“If ‘one of a kind’ was in the dictionary the definition would read ‘Bernie Pearl,’ Steven Pearl said. “My Pop was truly that and some. I’ve never known someone who enjoyed conversation with friends, family and complete strangers as much as he did, and that’s why he made such a profound impact on every person he came across.”

According to the school’s website, “Bruce and his wife, Brandy, his sister, Lauren, and the Pearl family will honor its patriarch at a memorial service Sunday at noon ET at Schlossberg Family’s Chapel on the Hill in Canton, Massachusetts, with burial to follow at Sharon Memorial Park.”

Hugh Freeze sends condolences to Zykeivous “Zay” Walker

Pearl isn’t the only Tiger in mourning. On Wednesday, Auburn defensive lineman Zykeivous “Zay” Walker‘s grandmother died from a heart attack. Freeze spoke on the issue at the Thursday press conference, as well.

“I know what it’s like to lose a grandmother that was in your home and raised you,” Freeze said. “He’s dealing with that also. Our hearts and prayers go out to both those families as they’re dealing with loss.”

Walker’s only action last season came against Georgia. In his career, Walker boasts 20 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Along with Freeze, the Auburn community sends its hopes and prayers to Pearl and Walker.