Clyde Surrell Obituary, Cause of Death: What Happened to Former Colorado Safety? How Did He Die?
The football world is mourning the loss of former Colorado Buffaloes safety Clyde Surrell, who passed away at the age of 41 on February 19, 2024. Surrell was a standout player for the Buffaloes from 2000 to 2003, and a beloved father, fiance, son, brother, and friend to many. His death was announced by the Colorado football program on Friday, February 23, 2024.
How Did Clyde Surrell Die?
According to his fiance Maile, who shared his story on a GoFundMe page, Surrell suffered a stroke in 2018 that left him with severe brain damage and physical disabilities. He was unable to speak, walk, or care for himself, and required constant medical attention and assistance. He also developed epilepsy and had frequent seizures that worsened his condition.
Despite his challenges, he never gave up hope and fought hard to recover. He underwent several surgeries and therapies, and showed signs of improvement. He was able to communicate with his eyes, smile, laugh, and move his fingers. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his two sons, Caden and Cayson, who were his pride and joy.
However, on February 19, 2024, Surrell suffered another massive stroke that proved to be fatal. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loved ones. His fiance Maile wrote on the GoFundMe page: “He fought so hard for so long and never complained. He was the strongest person I have ever known. He was my soulmate, my best friend, my everything. He was an amazing father to our boys and they adored him. He will be missed beyond words.”
Death Date
- Name: Clyde Surrell
- Birth date: June 6, 1982
- Birth place: Aurora, Colorado
- Death date: February 19, 2024
- Death place: Colorado
- Death cause: Stroke
- Ethnicity: African American
- Nationality: American
- Religion: Unknown
- Education: Overland High School, University of Colorado
- Occupation: Football player, real estate broker, coach
- Spouse: Maile Pangelinan (fiance)
- Children: Caden and Cayson
- Parents: Unknown
- Siblings: Unknown
- Awards: Defensive MVP of the 2002 Big 12 Championship Game
- Instagram- @sickwidit20/
- Homepage- Newsunzip
Who Was He?
Clyde Surrell was born on June 6, 1982, in Aurora, Colorado. He attended Overland High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track and field. He was a SuperPrep and USA Today All-American as a senior, and earned All-Centennial League honors in back-to-back seasons. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and graduated with a 3.8 GPA.
Surrell signed with Colorado in the class of 2000, and played for the Buffaloes from 2000 to 2003. He was a versatile and valuable player, who saw action on defense and special teams. He played in 41 games and made 15 starts for the Buffaloes, recording 156 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, six sacks, four fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles, and one interception.
He had his best season in 2002, when he led the team with 71 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, and one interception. He also had a memorable performance in the 2002 Big 12 Championship Game against Oklahoma, when he had 10 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. He was named the Defensive MVP of the game, which Colorado won 39-37.
Clyde was also a key contributor in 2003, when he had 55 total tackles, five tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles. He helped Colorado win the Big 12 North Division title for the third consecutive year, and earn a berth in the Houston Bowl.
Surrell graduated from Colorado in 2004 with a degree in sociology. He pursued a career in real estate, and worked as a broker and investor. He also coached youth football and basketball, and mentored young athletes. He was passionate about sports, music, movies, and spending time with his family and friends.
What Is his Legacy?
Clyde Surrell’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and love. He was a talented and hard-working football player, who gave his all for his team and his school. He was a loyal and caring son, brother, friend, fiance, and father, who touched the lives of many with his kindness and generosity. He was a fighter and a survivor, who never gave up despite the adversity he faced.
Clyde Surrell’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from his former teammates, coaches, fans, and the Colorado football community. Many have shared their memories and condolences on social media, and expressed their admiration and gratitude for Surrell. Some of the messages are as follows:
- Former Colorado head coach Gary Barnett: “Clyde was one of the toughest, most competitive players I ever coached. He was a leader on and off the field, and a joy to be around. He overcame so much in his life, and never stopped fighting. He will always be a Buff, and always be in our hearts.”
- Former Colorado safety Medford Moorer: “Clyde was my brother, my roommate, my teammate, my friend. He was a warrior on the field, and a gentle soul off the field. He loved his family more than anything, and always had a smile on his face. He inspired me with his strength and courage, and I will miss him dearly.”
- Former Colorado linebacker Sean Tufts: “Clyde was a great player, a great person, and a great friend. He was always positive, always supportive, always fun. He had a huge impact on me and everyone who knew him. He was a true Buff, and a true legend.”
- Colorado football program: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Surrell, a former Buff who embodied the spirit of our program. He was a fierce competitor, a loyal teammate, and a loving father. He fought bravely until the end, and we will always remember him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Buffs family.”
Clyde Surrell’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover his medical and funeral expenses and to support his two sons. The page has raised over $40,000 as of February 26, 2024, and has received donations and messages from hundreds of people. The page also states that a memorial service for Surrell will be held on March 3, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Overland High School Auditorium.
His Career Statistics
| Year | Games | Starts | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | FR | FF | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2001 | 10 | 0 | 25 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2002 | 13 | 13 | 71 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2003 | 10 | 2 | 55 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 41 | 15 | 156 | 17 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
