Eastern Illinois

A sad news for the Eastern Illinois, assistant football coach Jeff Hoover died in a car accident late Saturday. Jeff Hoover was 41 years of age. Athletics spokesman Rich Moser said that Hoover, strength coach Eric Cash and five family members were returning from Eastern Illinois when their vehicle turn aside suddenly to miss a deer and then rolled over.

Two members have been discharged from an Effingham hospital, and the remaining four were shifted to a hospital in Champaign. On Sunday morning EIU Athletic Director Barbara Bruke said,

“We are very saddened by the loss of Jeff Hoover,”

She added,

“He was a valuable member of our football staff and was looked up to by the young men in our football program. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Penny, and their two children along with Eric Cash and his family in this difficult time.”

Earlier Saturday his team had a playoff game against Southern Illinois, Eastern Eastern Illinois lost the game 48-7. Jeff previously served at Portland State, Utah State, Henderson State and UC Davis as an assistant coach. As the offensive line coach he just have completed his third season with the Panthers.