- “Whether it was one of our future professionals or a walk-on, Michael viewed any student-athlete who wore orange and blue as a friend. Michael’s knowledge and respect of the history of UVa sports was unequaled. Our program has lost a friend, a colleague and our No. 1 fan.”
--Virginia Athletics Director Craig LittlepageMichael Colley, long-time assistant director in the University of Virginia athletics media relations office, died Saturday (July 11) during a walk while vacationing with friends in Virginia Beach. He was 46.
An 18-year professional at his alma mater UVa, Colley's current primary responsibilities were media relations efforts for the football and men’s lacrosse teams.
(View story courtesy of VirginiaSports.com, University of Virginia Athletics)July 14th Update:
Memorial Services for Michael ColleyA public memorial service will be held for Virginia assistant athletics media relations director Michael Colley on Friday, July 17 at 3 p.m. in John Paul Jones Arena. Immediately following the service a reception will take place in the student-athlete dining hall at JPJA.
Parking will be available on the surface lot and in the JPJA garage. John Paul Jones Arena is located at 295 Massie Road in Charlottesville on the University of Virginia Grounds.
Donations to the Michael Colley Memorial Lacrosse FundIn lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be sent in Michael’s name to benefit the Virginia men’s lacrosse program.
Donations may be sent to the Virginia Athletics Foundation at this address:
Michael Colley Memorial Lacrosse Fund
c/o Virginia Athletics Foundation
PO Box 400833
Charlottesville, VA 22904
Here are several media tributes to Michael.
Monday, July 13- Longtime UVa media liaison dies at 46, by Jay Jenkins, Charlottesville Daily ProgressJuly 13- Farewell to a friend (Michael Colley), by David Teel, Newport News Daily Press
July 12- Sad day in Charlottesville, by Patrick Stevens, The Washington Times