TRAGIC DAY (updated)

My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to the entire Dungy family. May James find peace from whatever led him to this. May your family find comfort in the fact that God is holding James now. Tony, may you never forget his smiling face when he joined you on the sidelines. I pray that he knew your love for him. Stupid things like football games, season records, and championships mean nothing. But on behalf of my entire family who has known you for so many years because of football, may your entire family find peace.

TRAGIC DAY
By John Oehser - Colts.com

James Dungy, Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy’s Oldest Son, Dies
INDIANAPOLIS – James Dungy, the 18-year-old oldest son of Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy, has died, the Colts have confirmed.

Dungy, the Colts’ head coach for four seasons, and his wife, Lauren, traveled to Tampa, Fla., immediately upon receiving the news early Thursday morning.

It was not initially known when Dungy will return to coach the Colts.

“It is my sad duty to confirm the passing early this morning of James Dungy,” Colts President Bill Polian said late Thursday morning in a brief press conference outside the Union Federal Football Center.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone in this building are with Tony and Lauren and their children and their extended family and for the reposed

James’ soul. This is a tragedy for the Dungy family, and by extension, for his football family here with the Colts.”

Said Colts Owner and Chief Executive Officer Jim Irsay, “Our Colts family is united in prayer and support for the Dungy family at this time. It is an unspeakable tragedy, and we will do whatever we can to assist Tony, Lauren and their children.”

Jim Caldwell, the Colts’ Assistant Head Coach and Quarterbacks coach, will serve as the interim coach until Dungy’s return, Polian said.

Polian met with the Colts’ staff and players early Thursday morning to inform them of the news.

“It was not easy,” Polian said. “It was somber, to say the least. But we have the greatest role model in the world (Dungy), so we’ll do what he does and what he wishes.”

Polian said he spoke with Dungy early Thursday morning, and at various times thereafter.

“However long he (Dungy) is away is, of course, entirely up to him,” Polian said. “Tony made it clear to both myself and to Jim that he wished for the organization and the team to carry on. And we will. We have the greatest role model there is in Tony Dungy.

“As Jim said to the team this morning, ‘We’ll emulate our leader.’ ”

Asked how Dungy was handling the situation emotionally, Polian said, “He’s Tony. He’s the most amazing person in the world. His faith is his rock, and as much as is possible, he’s doing OK.”

Services for James Dungy are yet to be determined, Polian said.

“We would ask that those who have come to know and respect and care for Tony remember his family in their prayers and remember James in their prayers,” Polian said. “In the interim, until we know in further detail with respect to arrangements and the family’s wishes, we’d ask that people as much as possible respect their privacy at this tragic time. . . .

“When we know what the arrangements are, and what he’s decided to do, when it’s appropriate, we’ll announce them.”

Tony Dungy learned of his son’s death early Thursday morning, and he and Lauren flew to Tampa with Colts Owner and Chief Executive Officer Jim Irsay’s plane, Polian said.

The Colts (13-1) will visit the Seattle Seahawks (12-2) at Qwest Field in Seattle, Wash., Saturday at 4:15 p.m.

“It’s what we have to do,” Polian said. “I don’t think there’s anyone here that would wish to play a football game under these circumstances, but it’s our obligation and we’ll fulfill that obligation. That’s what Tony wants us to do and that’s what we’re required to do.

“We’ll do our best because that’s what he expects of us. . . .

“The routine will be exactly as it was if Tony were here.”

Tony and Lauren Dungy have four other children: daughters Tiara and Jade and sons Eric and Jordan.

“It’s hard to fathom what this means unless you are a parent,” Polian said. “And if you are a parent, there aren’t any words to express the kind of pain that I’m sure they’re feeling. . . .

“I had met James, and I don’t think it’s appropriate to talk about him at this point in time. That’s something Tony and Lauren will do if they wish.

“Our prayers are with the family and the reposed James’ soul.”