Former Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid dies at 65

LOS ANGELES — Former Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid died on Tuesday while hospitalized at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center due to a personal health matter, the team announced Wednesday.

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Schmid’s family issued the following statement on his passing:

“On Tuesday, December 25, Sigi Schmid passed away at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles due to a personal health matter. Our family is deeply saddened by his passing and is taking this time to grieve the loss of a tremendous husband, father, leader and mentor. We also recognize how much Sigi meant to so many people across the U.S. Soccer landscape and around the world at different levels of the game. That community meant a great deal to him as well, and for that reason, it was important to us that we share the news of his passing. While we mourn his loss, we appreciate privacy during this challenging time and will not be issuing further statements. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family asks to please consider a memorial gift to support the men’s soccer program at UCLA, Sigi’s alma mater. Donations in memory of Sigi may be directed to the attention of Emily Lerner of UCLA Athletics at 310-206-3302 or elerner@athletics.ucla.edu.”

Schmid was named the first head coach of Seattle Sounders FC in 2009 and held the position until the midpoint of the 2016 season, when he was replaced by Brian Schmetzer.

In addition to his time with the Sounders, Schmid served as head coach at UCLA, the United States U-20 National team, the Columbus Crew and had two stints with the LA Galaxy.

KIRO 7 will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

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