Southeast Missouri State University is in mourning following the death of football student-athlete Danny Duray, who passed away early Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026.
The university announced the news with profound sadness, acknowledging the loss as a deeply felt blow to the athletic department, the wider campus community, and particularly those who knew Duray personally. Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Brady Barke expressed the university’s grief, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that one of our student-athletes passed away. This is a heartbreaking loss for our department, our campus community, and especially for those who knew and cared for him closely. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Duray family.”
Duray, a Business Administration major, was a native of Arlington Heights, Illinois. He initially joined the SEMO football program as a true freshman in 2024, redshirting for that season. He then spent the 2025 season with the College of DuPage, where he served as the team’s kicker, converting 32 of 33 point-after attempts and 10 of 13 field goals, accumulating a total of 62 points. Prior to attending college, Duray was a multi-sport athlete at Hersey High School, participating in both football and soccer.
Head Football Coach Tom Matukewicz described the day as “one of the hardest” he had experienced as a coach. “We lost a young man who mattered deeply to our program and to so many,” Matukewicz said. “Our team is hurting. Danny’s family is hurting. We are going to wrap our arms around them the best we can and walk through this pain together.”
The loss of a student-athlete is always a difficult moment for a university, but the circumstances surrounding Duray’s death are particularly poignant given his recent return to the SEMO football program. His time at College of DuPage demonstrated his commitment to the sport, and his contributions as a kicker were significant for the Chaparrals. The university’s focus now is on supporting Duray’s family and teammates as they navigate this period of grief.
While details surrounding the cause of death have not been released, the university has pledged to provide support to those affected. The impact of this loss extends beyond the football team, resonating throughout the Southeast Missouri State University community. The university is likely to offer counseling services and other resources to students, faculty, and staff who are struggling with the news.
Duray’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support during times of tragedy. The university’s response, led by Vice President Barke and Coach Matukewicz, underscores the commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its students and providing a supportive environment in the face of adversity. The coming days will undoubtedly be filled with remembrance and mourning as the Southeast Missouri State University community comes to terms with the loss of Danny Duray.
The university has not yet announced any plans for a memorial service or other commemorative events, but further information will likely be released in the coming days. For now, the focus remains on providing comfort and support to Duray’s family, friends, and teammates.
