Former Texas A&M basketball player David Edwards dies after battling COVID-19

Former Texas A&M basketball star David Edwards, a three-time All-Southwest Conference point guard, died on Monday night from complications of the Coronavirus.

Edwards passed away in New York, his hometown. He was 48.

His death was confirmed by former Texas A&M teammate Chuck Henderson, who posted on Facebook:

“Never in a million years would I have even imagined my backcourt teammate would go before his time. I just got the news that Dave Edwards passed away. For those that have been praying for him, he is now in a better place.

“This coronavirus has hit me in the heart. We need to find a vaccine. Dave was one of the fiercest competitors and best point guards that I've ever met. Nearly unstoppable. Learned how to become tough as nails competing against him everyday and shaking off adversity.”

Edwards averaged 41 points and 5 assists as a senior at Andrew Jackson High School in New York. He started his collegiate career at Georgetown in 1989. After one season he transferred to A&M.

In three seasons he averaged 13.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.1 assists. He helped the Aggies to a 19-11 finish and berth in the National Invitation Tournament in 1994.

“Anytime Aggies lose a member of the family, it hurts,” Director of Athletics Ross Bjork said. “Hearing from his friends this was coronavirus related really hits close to home.”

In release late Tuesday morning, Texas A&M included several tributes from those who knew David during his days in Aggieland:

David was one of the fiercest competitors I was ever around. He was an even better person off the court. He taught me a ton about competing in everything you do in life. He will be missed. – Kevin Hurley, former Texas A&M men’s basketball director of operations (1992-2002)

David was an outstanding player who could do some incredible things with a basketball. But what I remember most is how he could light up a room with his smile and personality. – Colin Killian, former Texas A&M men’s basketball communications director

Dave was such a competitor. We beat VCU at their place in triple OT and Dave took an elbow to his head late in the game. He would not come out and after the game ended we ended up having to suture him. He was such an awesome passer, if you were on the floor you better be ready because he would fire a pass to you and it had some mustard on it. – Mike “Radar” Ricke, former Texas A&M men’s basketball trainer

Those that were in the stands will remember Dave as a fierce competitor, with over the top confidence that was contagious. Quite a personality that took stuffing a stat sheet to another level. He loved basketball and one of the best point guards we have had. More importantly, he was a person you loved to see coming because he was special and fun to be around. – Dr. John Thornton, former Texas A&M basketball player, coach and athletics administrator

Incredible loss to the Aggie family. Dave and I used to compete for who would have the most assists each game between him and I. He taught me how to compete in everything, not just in basketball. He called me Half Pint because of my height; and I called him Half Pint because he wasn't much taller than me. He will be missed. – Lisa Branch, Texas A&M women’s basketball player (1993-96)

I will always remember his vibrant, charismatic personality, as well as his overall love of competition. – Martha “Mo” McClelland Murphy, Texas A&M women’s basketball player (1993-96)