A tragedy strikes ESPN star Dan Orlovsky suddenly: "There are no words"
The former NFL quarterback has shared devastating news about his family after his brother-in-law, Federico Lascano, died unexpectedly, leaving behind his wife and three sons
D an Orlovsky is facing a heartbreaking family loss after revealing that his brother-in-law, Federico Lascano , died suddenly over the weekend.
The ESPN football analyst shared the news on Thursday, October 15, asking the public to support his sister and her three children as they begin navigating life without their husband and father.
Orlovsky , 43, described the loss as an “unimaginable” tragedy in an emotional message posted on X. Lascano was the longtime partner of Orlovsky’s sister, Christine , and the couple had three sons together: Brayden , 18, Cameron , 16, and Colton , 11.
The sudden death has left the family dealing not only with profound grief but also with the practical challenges that can follow the unexpected loss of a household’s primary partner.
Orlovsky used his social media platform to highlight the difficult position his sister now faces while helping her children come to terms with what happened.
“There are no words to describe the heartbreak of losing a husband, a partner, and a father so suddenly,” he wrote. “In the midst of trying to process this devastating loss, my sister is now facing the overwhelming reality of navigating life as a solo parent and a single-income household, all while helping her boys cope with the loss of their dad.”
The family has not publicly disclosed the cause of Lascano’s death. According to reports from the New York Post and other outlets, he had been part of Christine’s life since their college years, making the loss particularly devastating for those who knew the couple and their family.
Dan Orlovsky asks the public to support his sister and nephews
Alongside his announcement, Orlovsky shared a GoFundMe campaign intended to help the Lascano family manage expenses following the death.
The fundraiser seeks donations to assist with household bills and other costs, while also helping secure educational opportunities for the three boys as they grow older.
Orlovsky stressed that his appeal was about giving his sister and nephews some breathing room during an extraordinarily difficult period. He also encouraged people who could not contribute financially to share the fundraiser so that it could reach a wider audience.
“No family should have to face this kind of heartbreak, and no one should have to worry about how they will manage financially while trying to put the pieces of their lives back together,” he wrote.
He concluded his message by thanking those who had already offered support to the family.
“Thank you for showing up for my sister and my nephews when they need it most. Our family is heartbroken, but we are so grateful for the love and support surrounding them during this unimaginable time.”
The campaign had surpassed $65,000 toward its original $100,000 goal by Thursday morning, according to the information shared alongside Orlovsky’s appeal.
Later reports indicated that donations continued to rise as the news spread, reflecting the response from football fans and people wishing to help the family.
Orlovsky’s ESPN colleague Laura Rutledge was among those who publicly expressed sympathy, writing: “Praying for your family. I’m so sorry,” according to The Spun.
Dan Orlovsky’s career in football and broadcasting
Although he is now widely recognized as a television analyst, Orlovsky first made his name as a quarterback. A native of Shelton, Connecticut, he played college football at the University of Connecticut before the Detroit Lions selected him in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
He went on to play for several NFL franchises, including the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers , during a professional career spanning 12 seasons.
After retiring in 2017, he joined ESPN in 2018 and gradually became a familiar face across the network’s football coverage.
Orlovsky regularly appears on NFL Live, Get Up and First Take, offering analysis of quarterback play, offensive schemes and the biggest stories in the league. ESPN announced a new multi-year agreement with him in July 2025, reaffirming his place among the network’s leading football voices.
For now, however, the focus is far removed from the NFL season. Orlovsky’s public message has centered on helping his sister and nephews through a loss that has changed their lives without warning.
As the family begins the difficult process of grieving, the fundraiser offers supporters a practical way to help ease some of the financial pressure while they adjust to an uncertain future.
