Jeff Thorne has tragically passed away. The former Western Michigan University assistant football coach passed away last week at the age of 53. He is also the father of former Michigan State University quarterback Payton Thorne.

Multiple outlets have reported that Thorne died Tuesday of stomach cancer.

Several people took to social media to express their sentiments over this tragic loss. Former MSU football coach Mark Dantonio called Thorne “an outstanding mentor, father and husband.”

The WMU football team’s account said, “Coach Thorne’s impact will not be forgotten by the Bronco family.”

Jeff Thorne was diagnosed with stomach cancer in February. Unfortunately, he learned over the summer that the tumor was inoperable.

His death comes months after Eugene F. “Buddy” Teevens lost his

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