Elmhurst College Athletic Trainer Dies at 31

Elmhurst College announced athletic trainer Matt Passalaqua has died. He had been a trainer at Elmhurst College for seven years. A release written by Director of Public Affairs Desiree Chen and Kevin Juday was posted on the college's website Tuesday.

Passalaqua died Saturday, Jan. 11, of complications from a brief battle with leukemia, according to the release. He was just 31 years old.

He came to Elmhurst College in 2006 as a part-time trainer, quickly becoming a full-time trainer the following year.

The article on the college website speaks to his dedication and professionalism, and the genuine kindness he showed students and staff. Volleyball coach Julie Hall said Passalaqua was more than an athletic trainer. 

“He was our confidante, our ‘Mr. Fix It’, our chauffeur, our traveling buddy, our caterer, but most of all, our friend," she was quoted as saying.

Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at Humes Funeral Home, 320 W. Lake St., Addison. A funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at the funeral home.

Read more about how Matt Passalaqua touched the lives of students and staff on the Elmhurst College website.