Former Wheaton College football players Jalen Shaffer ('22) and Philip LoChirco ('23) passed away on Saturday. Both men drowned in Lake Michigan in Port Sheldon Township, Michigan. Shaffer, 26, played four seasons at Wheaton in five years, while LoChirco, 24, played three seasons over four years. Wheaton head football coach Jesse Scott states of both men on Monday, "Our hearts are heavy as we share the tragic passing of Jalen and Phil."

Coach Scott says of Shaffer and LoChirco, "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."

Jesse Scott states, "As we grieve alongside their families, teammates, and all who loved them, we hold fast to the truth of the gospel. We are grateful that Christ meets us in our sorrow, and that our hope is secure even when our hearts are broken."