Running backs coach Gary Campbell was not present at practice this afternoon due to the death of his 29-year-old son Bryan Campbell. According to The Oregonian and an Oregon official, Bryan Campbell passed away this morning due to his complications from the neuromuscular condition called Werdnig-Hoffman syndrome that has disabled him from the neck down since the day he was born.

Despite being born with Werdnig-Hoffman syndrome, Campbell defied all the odds and lived longer than the initial expectations of his doctors who didn’t believe he would live past a year.

Many stories have been written about the Campbell family throughout the 31 years that Gary has served as an assistant coach and if you haven’t already taken a look, Lindsey Schnell of the Oregonian wrote a special feature on Bryan just prior to the 2012 Rose Bowl game.

Prayers and condolences have already begun to pour in from the players and coaches to help support one of the most beloved coaches on staff.