Gamecock community mourns passing of DJ Park, former USC football player
Former South Carolina offensive lineman Joseph “DJ” Park has died, his sister Breana posted Sunday evening on Facebook.
Park was 29 years old. He had been in the hospital recently battling various health issues, according to current Dillon High coach Kelvin Roller.
Park’s sister Breana posted to Facebook about his passing: “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 graduated from Dillon High in December 2012 and enrolled at South Carolina in January 2013, playing for the Gamecocks through 2017 under coaches Steve Spurrier and Will Muschamp.
Helms and current USC tight ends coach Shawn Elliott were among those who posted condolences on social media Sunday evening. Elliott helped recruit Park out of high school and was his position coach at USC.
Park and teammate Bryce King were part of the Gamecocks’ 2013 recruiting class, a part of Dillon players that signed at South Carolina. Receiver Kwinton Smith also with USC.
“RIP brother Joseph Park .. this one hurts. Prayers to your family,” former USC offensive lineman Cory Helms said.
“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,” Elliott posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Park played for Jackie Hayes at Dillon High School and was part of the Wildcats’ 2012 state championship team. He was a Shrine Bowl Selection and 16th-best offensive tackle in the country, according to 247Sports.
“We all mourn the loss of a great Dillon Wildcat DJ Park! RIP Gone too soon!” Roller posted on X.
Park played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl and was a member of the MaxPreps All-American team for small schools as a senior.
At USC, Park played in 44 games with five starts during his career. He played both guard and tackle.
Said former USC QB Seth Strickland via X: “Prayers up for his family. Big guy with an even bigger smile. RIP DJ.”
Added former Gamecock defensive lineman Shameik Blackshear: “Rest up big guy, dj was a great teammate and a humble individual. Football is a brotherhood & when we lose someone we went to battle with it’s an unexplainable feeling.”
This story was originally published March 3, 2024 at 8:57 PM with the headline "Gamecock community mourns passing of DJ Park, former USC football player."
