ESPN college football reporter Edward Aschoff died Dec. 24, 2019, on his 34th birthday — weeks after sharing on Instagram that he had caught pneumonia while working the Ohio State vs. Michigan game.
On Jan. 15, his fiancée Katy Berteau said a biopsy revealed Aschoff had "stage 4, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in his lungs," which was previously undiagnosed and "seemingly" combined with pneumonia to cause HLH in Aschoff.
(2/9) After his passing, the hospital received the final results from his lung biopsy. Unbeknownst to us, Edward had stage 4, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his lungs. This is an aggressive type of cancer that is usually undetectable until it is very advanced. pic.twitter.com/kuPHwrAXuz
— Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) January 16, 2020
Aschoff tweeted that he had a virus for two weeks, which later turned into multifocal pneumonia.
Anyone ever had multifocal (bilateral) pneumonia in their early 30s as some who never gets sick and has a very good immune system? Asking for two friends ... my lungs.
— Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) December 5, 2019
The Oxford, Miss. native graduated from the University of Florida in 2008.
He joined ESPN in 2011 as an SEC reporter after covering recruiting and Florida football for The Gainesville Sun.
"We are very sorry to have to share the devastating news of the tragic passing of friend and ESPN colleague Edward Aschoff," ESPN said in a statement. "He died earlier today, his 34th birthday. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, including his fiancée, Katy."
The network paid tribute to Aschoff during its broadcast of the Hawaii Bowl the evening of his death.
ESPN announced the passing of Edward Aschoff just now as they head into commercial during the Hawaii Bowl. Made sure to add a few seconds of all black before first commercial aired. Handled as well as you can with such terrible news. pic.twitter.com/cgGDnYHK2L
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 25, 2019
Aschoff detailed his sickness in his final Instagram post, which featured a photo of Berteau, whom he was planning to marry in New Orleans in April.
Two days after Aschoff's passing, Berteau tweeted from his account, saying she appreciated the support and messages in the wake of his death. She also tweeted a link where people can donate to Aschoff's "family or funeral funds."
(1/12) Hi everyone, this is Katy Berteau, Edward’s fiancé. I want to say thank you to everyone who has expressed their sympathies, condolences, and prayers for me and his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/XbDyUYHWQv
— Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) December 27, 2019
Also, I’ve been made aware that there are fraudulent GoFundMe’s and other accounts that are claiming to be collecting money for Edward’s family or funeral funds. For the record, this is the only one that is going to our family: https://t.co/BdjYawZ0Ib
— Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) December 27, 2019
Several of Aschoff's ESPN colleagues and friends from the college football world shared their condolences on Twitter.
Closest thing I had to a baby brother in this business. I learned a lot more from @AschoffESPN than he ever did from me. What a light he was to all of us. God bless you ATL Kid. pic.twitter.com/rIfcRrZkIR
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) December 25, 2019
So many people waking up on this glorious day to the devastating news about @AschoffESPN. Everyone whose life he touched is heartbroken. He was a wonderful person and an extraordinary journalist. Prayers to his family and many friends.
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) December 25, 2019
What I admire most about @AschoffESPN — beyond his talent and drive — is his good nature. He suffered loss at a young age, yet was always sunny and upbeat. His enthusiasm was contagious. The holiday season has turned sober, reflective. Edward has reminded me how precious life is.
— Ivan Maisel (@Ivan_Maisel) December 25, 2019
This is how I’ll remember Ed: Happy, vibrant, fun. We should all strive to enjoy life as much as he did. pic.twitter.com/IX5rBtXgHi
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 25, 2019
Devastated to hear my friend @AschoffESPN has passed away after a battle with pneumonia.
— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) December 25, 2019
Ed was a big reason I decided to pursue journalism. He took me under his wing at the Sun and I’m forever grateful.
Incredible reporter and an even better person. You will be missed! pic.twitter.com/OIVvAYM5Kl
Shook by this news today. 💔 We were just texting a few weeks ago. You were one of the nicest people I met at ESPN. Always loved our talks. Your future was so bright. You were a star in the making. Gonna miss you brother. Rest in paradise @AschoffESPN ♥️ pic.twitter.com/LRUUnUiYaf
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 25, 2019
Ed was one of the brightest young talents at ESPN, but more importantly, he was just an awesome guy to be around. Never saw him without a smile, never talked to him without leaving in a better mood. So sad and tragic. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. https://t.co/BiZ5JB2e6o
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) December 25, 2019
Our friend Ed Aschoff, lovingly remembered by so many on this heartbreaking day, was a ray of light. He smiled with his entire being, loved his fiancée and family, and brought joy to the job. I hope you knew him, too.
— Rob King (@ESPN_RobKing) December 25, 2019
Devastated about Ed Aschoff’s passing. One of the kindest, warm-hearted people I’ve ever met. And, if you were lucky enough to have gotten to know him, there’s no question you feel that way too.. God, he will be missed.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 25, 2019
This was the morning after the Kick Six. I remember this moment like it was yesterday. Ed Aschoff was one of the best guys on the planet. He will be missed by so many people. RIP. https://t.co/5MYroHcwjD
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) December 25, 2019
Ed Aschoff is one of the best people I know. Talented, kind, fun, gracious and always positive. A great colleague and an even better friend. All of us are devastated and heartbroken. Just isn’t fair. I love you, Ed, and will miss you. Prayers to Katy and Ed’s family. https://t.co/jJQBE441Fv
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 25, 2019
Edward Aschoff was one of my closest friends. He was was one the most genuine, enthusiastic, personable people I’ve ever and he made the world a better place.
— Kyle Bonagura (@BonaguraESPN) December 25, 2019
Today is unspeakably sad and I’m devastated for Katy and his family.
Can’t fathom the idea I won’t get to see Ed Aschoff again. Can’t fathom how this even happened. He was so damn young and so damn talented. This is a brutal loss.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) December 25, 2019
Devastating news. Ed was a bright light in our corner of the world: Smart, talented and gracious. Condolences to his family and friends.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 25, 2019
This is absolutely devastating news. Praying for Ed’s family. I can’t believe this. https://t.co/Cr3q9v1igE
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) December 25, 2019
Destroyed to learn of Ed Aschoff’s passing. I loved his joyful spirit, his stubborn opinions and his affection for VERY random teams.
— Travis Haney (@travhaney) December 25, 2019
Will never forget him wearing a Gordon Bombay sweater to a Preds-Ducks game in 2017.
This is awful. The world was a better place with Ed in it. pic.twitter.com/U2oZZFFnv5