LSU assistant football coach Kevin Faulk away from team after daughter's death

Sept. 15 (UPI) -- LSU running backs coach Kevin Faulk has stepped away from the Tigers football program to be with his family after the death of his 19-year-old daughter earlier this week.

Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron expressed his condolences to Faulk and his family during the SEC coaches' teleconference Wednesday, saying everyone inside the program is "sick to their stomach" over Kevione's death.

Orgeron also noted that Faulk is expected to miss Saturday's game against Central Michigan.

"Right now, coach Faulk is with his family," Orgeron told reporters. "I told him to take his time and do whatever he needs to do.

"I don't expect him to be here Saturday. I expect him to take his time and take care of his family first."

Faulk played college football at LSU from 1995-98 and finished as the school's all-time leading rusher.

The New England Patriots then drafted him in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played 13 years for the franchise and won three Super Bowl championships.

The 45-year-old Faulk joined LSU's coaching staff as director of player development in 2018. He was promoted to running backs coach in 2020.

LSU released a statement on Kevione's death Monday, but no cause of death was revealed. She was a student worker in the football program.

"We are heartbroken with the passing of Kevione Faulk, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Faulk family and all those who love Kevione," the team said in a news release. "She was a part of the LSU family, and we mourn the loss of a daughter, a sister, a friend, a classmate and a colleague.

"We ask that all Tigers keep the Faulks in their prayers and respect their privacy at this difficult time."