DJ Park, a former offensive lineman for the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Toronto Argonauts, passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 29.
His death shocked and saddened the football community, as well as his family and friends, who remembered him as a talented, versatile, and compassionate person. Park’s life and career were marked by achievements, challenges, and resilience, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who will learn about him.
DJ Park Wiki/Bio
| Name | Joseph Dijion Park |
|---|---|
| Nickname | DJ |
| Date of Birth | 1995 |
| Date of Death | March 2, 2024 |
| Age | 29 |
| Place of Birth | Dillon, South Carolina |
| Place of Death | Latta, South Carolina |
| Cause of Death | Complications from a chronic illness |
| High School | Dillon High School |
| College | University of South Carolina |
| Degree | Criminal Justice |
| Position | Offensive Lineman |
| Number | 69 |
| Teams | Dillon Wildcats, South Carolina Gamecocks, Toronto Argonauts |
| Awards and Honors | Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, MaxPreps All-American team for small schools, 16th-best offensive tackle in the country by 247Sports |
| Family | Parents, sister Breana, wife Micki |
| Occupation | Substitute teacher, coach |
Early Years, Birthday, Sister, Parents, and High School Career
DJ Park was born Joseph Dijion Park in 1995 (age: 29 years, when died), in Dillon, South Carolina. He grew up in a supportive family, with his parents and his sister, Breana Park, who shared a close bond with him. Park developed a passion for football at an early age, and he showed great potential as an offensive lineman. He attended Dillon High School, where he played for the Wildcats under coach Jackie Hayes.
As per Wikipedia then Joseph Dijion Park was a dominant force on the field, helping his team win three state championships and earning several honors and accolades. He was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, and the MaxPreps All-American team for small schools. He was also ranked as the 16th-best offensive tackle in the country by 247Sports, and he received offers from several colleges, including Clemson, LSU, and Alabama.
Source
Wikipedia- Not Live
College Career and Beyond
DJ Park graduated from Dillon High in December 2012, and he enrolled at the University of South Carolina, where he joined the Gamecocks football program. He played for five years under coaches Steve Spurrier and Will Muschamp, appearing in 44 games as both a guard and a tackle. He was known for his versatility, his work ethic, and his positive attitude, despite facing some health issues that affected his performance and availability.
He earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches, who praised his dedication and character. Park graduated from USC in 2017, with a degree in criminal justice.
After college, Joseph Dijion Park pursued a professional football career, signing with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 2018. However, he did not make the final roster, and he returned to South Carolina, where he worked as a substitute teacher and a coach at Dillon High. He also got married to Micki Mortensen, and they settled in Latta, South Carolina.
Love Affairs
There is not much information available about DJ Park’s love life. He did not publicly disclose his relationship status or his romantic interests. He seemed to be focused on his football career and his family. He was very close to his sister, Breana Park, who often posted photos and videos of him on her social media accounts. She also announced his death on Facebook and expressed her grief and love for him.
DJ Park may have had a girlfriend or a wife, but he did not reveal their identity or details to the public. He may have preferred to keep his personal life private and away from the media attention. He may have also wanted to protect his partner from any unwanted scrutiny or criticism. He may have also been single and happy with his life.
Height, Weight
- Height: 6 ft 4 in / 193 cm
- Weight: 325 lb / 147 kg
- Eye color: Brown
- Body measurements: Not available
- Skin color: Black
- Hair color: Black
- Shoe size: 12 inches
Death and Tributes
On March 2, 2024, DJ Park was hospitalized due to complications from a chronic illness, according to his sister, Breana. He passed away later that day, leaving behind his wife, his family, and his friends. His death was confirmed by USC tight ends coach Shawn Elliott, who expressed his condolences and his appreciation for Park’s contributions to the Gamecocks.
Elliott was not the only one who paid tribute to Park, as many former teammates, coaches, and fans took to social media to share their memories and their grief. They described himas a generous, loving, and joyful person, who always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. They also celebrated his achievements on the field, and his impact on the football community and beyond.
Death Cause
DJ Park had been dealing with health issues in the months leading up to his death, according to his sister, Breana Park. She did not specify the nature of his condition, but she said he had been hospitalized several times. On March 2, 2024, she announced on Facebook that he had passed away. She wrote, “To KNOW DJ/Joseph Park was to LOVE him. I could write a novel but I’ll just leave it at that for now. I’ll miss you forever but at least you can rest easy now.”
Park’s death was met with an outpouring of grief and condolences from the football community and beyond. Many of his former coaches, teammates, and opponents expressed their sorrow and shared their memories of him on social media. Some of the messages included:
- “Saddened to hear about the passing of former Gamecock OL DJ Park. DJ was an awesome individual with a huge heart. You will be missed my friend.” – Shawn Elliott, South Carolina passing game coordinator and former offensive line coach
- “Rest In Peace Park. You were a great teammate and even better person. Prayers up for your family.” – Hayden Hurst, former South Carolina tight end and current Atlanta Falcons player
- “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Joseph Dijion Park. He was a great player and an even better person. He always had a smile on his face and a positive outlook on life. He will be missed by many. Praying for his family and friends.” – Mason Zandi, former South Carolina offensive lineman and current high school coach
- “RIP DJ Park. You were a tough competitor and a class act. You represented the Gamecocks with pride and dignity. Praying for peace and comfort for your loved ones.” – Deshaun Watson, former Clemson quarterback and current Houston Texans player
Legacy and Impact
DJ Park’s life was cut short, but his legacy lives on. He was a talented and versatile football player, who excelled at both the high school and the college level, and who had a promising future in the sport. He was also a compassionate and humble person, who cared deeply for his family and his friends, and who touched the lives of many people with his generosity and his spirit.
He faced challenges and adversity with courage and resilience, and he never gave up on his dreams and his passions. He inspired and motivated those who knew him and those who will learn about him, and he left a lasting impression on the world. DJ will be dearly missed, but he will never be forgotten.
