The assistant coach of Western Carolina dies suddenly at the age of 32

John Peacock, the offensive line manager for the North Carolina soccer team, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, the school announced on social media. Pavone was 32 years old.

According to a Facebook post from his girlfriend, Erika Alexander, Peacock died of complications from COVID-19 at their home in Sylva, North Carolina, five days after testing positive.

Peacock joined new head coach Kerwin Bell at Western Carolina this spring. Peacock had served under Bell at Valdosta State, where they led the program at the NCAA Division II championship in 2018.

According to the school’s website, Peacock and Alexander were planning to get married in February 2022.