Tragedy has struck the Akron football program just a couple of days before Christmas.
Zips assistant Alan “Tank” Arrington, the school confirmed Monday night, died earlier in the day as a result of injuries sustained in a two-car accident in Mississippi. Arrington had spent the past two seasons as the Zips offensive line coach and assistant head coach.
He was 44 years old and is survived by his wife, Gail.
“I can’t put into words how tragic this is,” head coach Terry Bowden said in a statement. “We have lost someone who was truly special and had dedicated his life to guiding young men. Tank was a very good friend and a great person. My thoughts are with his family and those who had the chance to know him and play for him. In all my years of coaching I have never known someone who loved and cared for his players more than Tank. I have lost a best friend and I’m heartbroken.”
Arrington is a native of the state of Mississippi and graduated from Ole Miss in 1994.
No details have emerged as to what led to the accident that claimed Arrington’s life.
“The Zips family has suffered a great loss,” UA athletic director Tom Wistrcill said. “Tank was a wonderful representative of the University and our team, and our thoughts are with his family and friends in this difficult time. We will do all that we can to help support them, our student-athletes and staff.”
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Carrington’s wife, family, friends and colleagues for their tragic loss.
(Photo credits; Akron athletics)
