Sports
Vikings OL Coach Tony Sparano Died From Heart Disease: Examiner
Tony Sparano's death came just days before the beginning of training camp.
EAGAN, MN — Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano died from heart disease, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner announced Monday. The manner of death was ruled to have been natural.
Sparano, 56, died at his home in Eden Prairie just before 9 a.m. Sunday.
"Our hearts go out to Jeanette and the entire Sparano family as we all mourn the loss of Tony," owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement.
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"Tony was a passionate and driven individual who cared deeply about his family, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Tony's presence within the Vikings organization will be deeply missed. We are only thinking of Tony's family during this incredibly difficult time."
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Sparano's NFL coaching career began in 1999 with stints as a head coach with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders. He has served as the Vikings offensive line coach since 2016.
Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images
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