GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The legendary Voice of the Pirates is no more.
ECU Athletics shared that Jeff Charles died Friday.
A source tells WITN that Charles suffered a heart attack while he was in New Orleans ahead of Saturday’s basketball game between ECU and Tulane.
Charles has called play-by-play for Pirate football and basketball for over 30 years. Charles recently called his 1,000th career game.
Charles was named North Carolina Sportscaster-of-the-year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association in 2000 and 2014.
ECU head football coach Mike Houston tweeted his condolences
Got the news earlier tonight……devastating….Jeff was the consummate professional……always on point and always first class. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. All of Prate Nation mourns with you. We Love you Jeff. https://t.co/yhWTHRCjzi
— Mike Houston (@ECUCoachHouston) February 11, 2023
ECU chancellor Phillip Rogers also tweeted about Charles.
If you know @ECUAthletics, you know Jeff Charles. His #Pirate pride was evident on every broadcast and in every game.
He will be greatly missed. Sending prayers to the Charles family. https://t.co/dFHA7bOGSH
— Philip Rogers (@ECUChancellor) February 11, 2023
The American Athletic Conference men’s basketball game between East Carolina and Tulane scheduled for Saturday, February 11 will not be played as scheduled following the sudden passing of East Carolina radio broadcaster Jeff Charles Friday evening in New Orleans.
The American Athletic Conference extends its condolences to the Charles family and to the East Carolina and Greenville communities.
Rescheduling information for the game is yet to be determined.