Kona Schwenke, Former Notre Dame DL, Dies at 25

Kona Schwenke, former University of Notre Dame defensive lineman, died Sunday at his home in Laie, Hawai'i, at the age of 25.

Details on the cause of death haven’t been released, but ABC 7 reported he died in his sleep.

Schwenke fought for the Fighting Irish from 2010-2013, playing in 31 games and starting nine of them, according to Notre Dame Athletics. In 2012, he helped Notre Dame reach the National Championship game, and was the program's Next Man In Award winner in 2013.

He graduated from the university’s College of Arts and Letters in May 2014 with a degree in anthropology.

Schwenke didn't play in any regular season NFL games, but was signed with several teams during his career.

When Blue and Gold football analyst Bryan Driskell tweeted the news, Irish fans were heartbroken:

Nah man. That sucks. I still remember the scene after his final home game. Thoughts and Prayers to his friends and family.

— John J. Coan (@coanzone) April 22, 2018

25 is way too early for anyone to pass away. RIP Kona.

— Go Irish! (@ND_AUSTIN) April 22, 2018

Very Sad news.🙏🙏🙏

— David Scherer (@njirish99_david) April 22, 2018

Very sad. Tragic for his family. Our prayers are with them. #RIP96

— Michael Sean Smith (@MTFLSmitty) April 23, 2018

• Notre Dame Academic Cheating Erases Football Victories
• Ara Parseghian Dies; Former Notre Dame Football Coach Was 94