Utah State announces tragic death of Blake Anderson’s son

Utah State football coach Blake Anderson’s son has died, according to a statement from athletic director John Hartwell. The cause of death is not immediately known, but comes after Anderson tweeted, “God is still God in the midst of our broken (hearts)” on Monday.  

In his statement posted by Utah State Athletics, John Hartwell sent his thoughts and prayers to Blake Anderson through this difficult time.

“On behalf of Utah State University, the athletics department and the football program, our thoughts and prayers are with coach Blake Anderson and his family following the tragic death of his son.

Anderson also has two other children, one daughter and one son, with his wife who passed away from breast cancer in 2019. The death of his wife was followed by the death of his father just one year later, again impacting the 52-year old head coach.

Following the 2020 season, Anderson decided to leave his home state of Arkansas, where he had coached the Arkansas State Red Wolves, and travelled across the country to become the Utah State Aggies head coach.

More about Blake Anderson

After suffering significant personal loss so close to home, Anderson decided that he needed to reset and move toward the future in a fresh setting. Despite his six straight bowl appearances and 51-37 record at Arkansas State, he moved to Utah State and went 11-3 in his first season.

“I had a blast,” Anderson said about his time at Arkansas State. “It’s always going to be a place that I will love. But for me, it was time to move; it was time for me, personally, to move on.”

He continued: “For me, there was a professional side and a personal side. Having been through the battle with cancer with my wife, Wendy, and having lost her a couple of years ago, it was just time for me. It was time to hit the refresh button and start creating some new memories.”

During a 2021 interview with the Utah Statesman, Anderson addressed the toll personal loss took on him and the impact of family on his career.

“I try to make sure to keep those things front and center,” Anderson said. “Clearly losing my wife, losing my dad — he just reminded me how important relationships really are — so I encouraged these guys to do their work, be efficient, do a great job of preparing but, but don’t be afraid to spend time on relationships.”