Unbelievably:  Former WVU Football Star Kelvin Dubouse Passed Away Earlier this Week at the Age of 42 and his Funeral is Scheduled for…

Unbelievably:  Former WVU Football Star Kelvin Dubouse Passed Away Earlier this Week at the Age of 42 and his Funeral is Scheduled for…

 

Morgantown, WV — In heartbreaking news for the West Virginia University football community, former Mountaineer standout Kelvin Dubouse has passed away at the age of 42. The announcement came earlier this week, sending shockwaves through former teammates, coaches, fans, and the greater WVU family.

 

Dubouse reportedly passed away at his home in Florida, though the cause of death has not yet been made public. His family has requested privacy during this time, and arrangements for a memorial or funeral service are expected to be shared in the coming days.

 

Dubouse played for the Mountaineers in the early 2000s and was known for his fierce presence on the field, unwavering work ethic, and infectious energy in the locker room. A defensive lineman with rare athleticism for his size, he earned the respect of coaches and teammates alike and was regarded as one of the key voices in the locker room during his time at WVU.

 

Former head coach Rich Rodriguez, who recruited Dubouse to Morgantown, shared his condolences in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

 

“Kelvin was the kind of player every coach wants on their team,” Rodriguez said. “He brought toughness, discipline, and heart to every practice and every game. More importantly, he was a kind and generous man off the field. His loss is deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege to know him.”

 

After graduating from WVU, Dubouse briefly pursued opportunities in professional football, including a stint in the CFL. Eventually, he transitioned into coaching and mentoring youth in his hometown of Tampa, Florida, where he remained active in the community and dedicated himself to supporting at-risk young men through football and education.

 

“He believed in second chances,” said longtime friend and former WVU teammate Andre Bell. “He was always that guy who had your back. On the field, he hit hard. Off the field, he cared even harder. This is a huge loss.”

 

Fans quickly took to social media to honor Dubouse’s legacy, using the hashtag #RememberKelvinDubouse to share old photos, stories, and tributes. One viral post featured a highlight reel from WVU’s 2001 upset win over Virginia Tech, where Dubouse recorded a crucial sack late in the fourth quarter that helped seal the victory.

 

Kelvin is survived by his mother, two brothers, and his 11-year-old daughter, Kayla, whom friends say was the center of his world.

 

WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker also released a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kelvin Dubouse, a true Mountaineer who represented West Virginia University with pride. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and former teammates.”

 

The WVU football team plans to honor Dubouse with a moment of silence at their next home game and may include a commemorative helmet sticker for the remainder of the season.

 

As the Mountaineer family grieves this sudden and tragic loss, Kelvin Dubouse’s legacy as a player, mentor, and man lives on through the lives he touched on and off the field.