Rita Chizik, Gene Chizik's mother, passed away Monday, Oct, 22. Reports were confirmed by Kirk Sampson, associate athletic director of communications for Auburn Athletics.
Sampson said no other details are available.
Sampson also said the Chiziks appreciate the prayers and support that have been sent from the Auburn family and ask that everyone respect the family's privacy during this difficult time.
Auburn President Jay Gogue also gave the Chiziks his regards.
"The Auburn Family joins Coach Chizik in mourning the loss of his mother," Gogue said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family during this difficult time."
After practice on Tuesday, Oct. 23, Chizik addressed the media regarding the loss of his mother.
"It's been a tough 24 hours for me personally and my family with the passing of my mother, and that's never easy no matter how old you get," Chizik said. "It's been quite challenging, but on an encouraging note, it was good to hear from so many great Auburn people that were very supportive, and people outside the Auburn family as well. It was very encouraging to hear the different thoughts and prayers that went out for me personally and my personal family, and I appreciate everyone respecting the privacy of that."
"It's tough. We're going to have a private family ceremony at some point moving down the road, not necessarily this week. I do want to say thank you to a lot a lot of people out there that were very good to myself and my family," Chizik said.
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