Two Former College Football Players Found Dead In Drowning Accident

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Two former college football players have been identified as those found dead in a reported drowning accident over the weekend.

Emergency personnel in western Michigan responded to calls of a possible drowning at Lake Michigan over the weekend. Ottawa County Sheriff's deputies responded to the calls, as people were struggling in the water near the south pier of the Pigeon Lake Channel in Port Sheldon Township. The calls were made shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, June 13.

Two men, aged 24 and 26, were struggling in the water. Both men were ultimately pronounced dead, drowning in the water.

Both men had played college football at Wheaton College, an Evangelical Christian college in Chicago's western suburbs.

Wheaton College releases statement on tragedy

"Our hearts are heavy as we share the tragic passing of Jalen and Phil," Wheaton College head football coach Jesse Scott said in a statement.  

"They were more than former players in our program — they were brothers, teammates, and friends whose lives left a lasting impact on Wheaton Football. Both Jalen and Phil were great examples of what it means to be Wheaton Football players: men who pursued excellence in what they did on and off the field, but more importantly, men who wanted others to know and love Jesus and who were fiercely committed to their faith."

LoChirco had served as an assistant football coach at Wheaton Academy, a private Christian high school in West Chicago.

The school is deeply saddened.

"This is a devastating loss for our football family and our Wheaton Academy community. Coach LoChirco had a real impact on our students, not just as players, but as young men," Wheaton Academy athletic director Brad Byrne said in a statement. "He showed up every day with energy and joy. His smile and his laugh lifted people up, and our players knew he cared about them."

Our thoughts are with the friends and family members of all involved.

May they rest in peace.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Jun 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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