RALEIGH, N.C. — The NC State University football program and broader Wolfpack family are reeling after the heartbreaking news of the passing of Drue Margaret Eliot, beloved daughter of Linebackers Coach DJ Eliot. Her untimely death has cast a profound shadow over the program, with teammates, staff, and fans across North Carolina and beyond expressing their sorrow and solidarity with the Eliot family.
University officials confirmed the news late Friday, sharing condolences on behalf of the athletics department and calling Drue’s passing “an unimaginable tragedy that has shaken the Wolfpack community to its core.” While details surrounding her death have not been publicly released, the call for compassion and respect for the Eliot family has been echoed throughout the NC State family.
On social media, tributes to Drue have poured in from players, colleagues, and friends, each honoring her memory and offering support to her grieving parents. Many posts describe Drue as a bright, kind, and spirited young woman whose life, though far too short, touched the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her.
Coach Eliot, who joined NC State’s staff in 2022, has long been admired for his leadership and commitment to his players. In this time of personal tragedy, the Wolfpack community has rallied to support him, with athletics officials, fans, and fellow coaches pledging to stand by the Eliot family as they endure this devastating loss.
“This is more than football — it’s about family,” one university statement read. “Our thoughts, prayers, and hearts are with DJ, his wife, and their loved ones as they grieve Drue’s passing. We ask the community to join us in lifting them up with love and respect.”
The Eliot family has requested privacy as they navigate this painful journey, but the collective outpouring of sympathy has underscored just how deeply their loss is felt. From candlelight vigils to moments of silence being planned at upcoming athletic events, the Wolfpack community is finding ways to honor Drue’s life and legacy.
Though her time on earth was tragically brief, Drue Margaret Eliot will be remembered for the joy she brought, the love she gave, and the light she shared. Her memory will continue to live on, not only in the hearts of her family and friends, but also within the NC State community that now mourns alongside them.