Greg Clark, a former 49ers and Stanford tight finish whose explanation for demise has not been launched, had exhibited signs of persistent traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), based on his household.
Clark, 49, died Wednesday. His demise was introduced Friday. No particulars had been included, however a press release from the household made reference to CTE, the mind situation related to a number of concussions. A CTE analysis could be confirmed solely by posthumous testing.
“He was an exceptional human being, with a burgeoning household, and I simply really feel horrible in regards to the struggling he should have felt,” former 49ers quarterback Steve Younger mentioned Friday.
The Clark’s household assertion learn:
“It's with nice unhappiness we announce the surprising passing of Greg Clark, 49, cherished husband, father, son, brother and buddy to so many.
“Greg was a devoted household man who was profitable at the whole lot he did, from his educational and athletic achievements as a Stanford scholar athlete to his function as a good finish for the San Francisco 49ers, to the creation of a profitable actual property platform all through the Bay Space.
“Most significantly, he was a cherished and devoted husband to his spouse of 23 years. His latest affected by CTE signs can't extinguish the breadth and depth of his affect on us and others and we're perpetually grateful for the time we've got had with him. It's our hope that by additional analysis we will acquire extra data surrounding CTE.”
Clark was a Danville resident and lived within the East Bay along with his spouse, Carrie, a lot of the previous 20 years. Their son, Jayden, is a Dublin Excessive graduate and a soccer participant at Southern Utah College.
Clark performed at Stanford from 1995-96 and with the 49ers from 1997-2000. Primarily a blocking tight finish, his 49ers profession was highlighted by two landing catches in a Jan. 3, 1999 wild-card win over the Inexperienced Bay Packers, a victory clinched by Younger’s last-minute landing cross to Terrell Owens.
Younger, taking part in within the American Century Championship movie star golf match in South Lake Tahoe, was devastated when he discovered of Clark’s demise and the way CTE could have factored into it.
“We’ve received to do higher. We maintain pondering we’re doing higher; I’m unsure,” Younger mentioned. “We’re working at it with the Golden Coronary heart Basis and reaching out. I simply really feel horrible.
“Greg was a fantastic participant. He was robust. A terrific teammate and a fantastic 49er,” Younger added. “And he’s gone manner too early. It’s simply devastating.”
The 49ers issued a press release expressing how they had been “deeply saddened” to be taught of Clark’s demise, including: “Our ideas and prayers are along with his household and associates.”
A Centerville, Utah native, Clark excelled at Viewmont Excessive (Bountiful, Utah) earlier than serving a Mormon mission in Illinois. He performed at Ricks School earlier than becoming a member of Stanford.
“Greg was an unimaginable one that touched everybody I’ve ever seen him meet,” mentioned Steve Baker, Clark’s former agent and shut buddy. “He actually stuffed any room he was ever in with each heat and integrity.”
So unhappy to lose a former teammate and a fantastic man in Greg Clark. Anybody
who wants assist, it is on the market. Please attain out to family members and allow them to know you care pic.twitter.com/4JfkQfxhMX— Todd Husak (@ToddHusak) July 9, 2021
Former Stanford quarterback Todd Husak shared information on Twitter of Clark’s passing, including: “So unhappy to lose a former teammate and a fantastic man in Greg Clark. Anybody who wants assist, it’s on the market. Please attain out to family members and allow them to know you care.”
The household has but to announce plans for a memorial service. A spokesman for the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Division would solely affirm Clark’s age and residence however nothing additional.