COLUMBUS, OH – Former Ohio State head coach, Earle Bruce, is facing a lengthy hospital stay after a serious house fire at his home in Powell, Ohio.
According to reports, the fire broke out at Bruce’s home on Tuesday evening, causing significant damage to the property. Bruce, who is 91 years old, was rescued from the home by firefighters and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
“It was a chaotic scene, but thankfully, Coach Bruce was able to get out of the house safely,” said Powell Fire Chief, Brian Houk. “Our firefighters did an excellent job of responding quickly and getting Coach Bruce the medical attention he needed.”
Bruce’s family released a statement on Wednesday, saying that he is expected to remain in the hospital for several months as he recovers from his injuries.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support and well wishes for Coach Bruce,” the statement read. “He is a fighter, and we are confident that he will make a full recovery. However, the road to recovery will be long, and we ask that everyone keep him in their thoughts and prayers during this time.”
Bruce, who coached at Ohio State from 1979 to 1987, is a beloved figure in Columbus and throughout the college football world. He led the Buckeyes to several successful seasons, including a Big Ten championship in 1981.
“Coach Bruce is a true Ohio State legend, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time,” said Ohio State athletic director, Gene Smith. “We are grateful for his many contributions to our program and wish him a speedy recovery.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials say that it appears to have started in the kitchen area of the home.
“We are still working to determine the exact cause of the fire, but it appears to have been accidental,” said Houk. “We are grateful that Coach Bruce was able to get out of the house safely, and we will continue to investigate the cause of the fire.”
Bruce’s hospitalization has sparked an outpouring of support from the college football community, with many of his former players and colleagues taking to social media to wish him well.
“Coach Bruce is a true legend and a great man,” tweeted former Ohio State quarterback, Art Schlichter. “I’m praying for his speedy recovery and sending all my best wishes to him and his family.”
As Bruce begins his long road to recovery, he can take comfort in knowing that he is surrounded by the love and support of his family, friends, and the entire college football community.
“Coach Bruce is a fighter, and we know that he will get through this difficult time,” said Smith. “We are all thinking of him and wishing him a speedy recovery.”
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