AMES, Iowa — Iowa State defensive line coach Curtis Bray died Wednesday, the team said. He was 43.

Cyclones spokesman Mike Green confirmed Bray’s death to The Associated Press, but said no additional details were immediately available.

“Curtis Bray was a dear friend to me and to all he ever came in contact with,” Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads said. “He was a trusted and loyal assistant coach who always put the kids and the team in front of his work.”

Bray grew up in Monroeville, Pa. and became the first defensive player to be honored as the Gatorade national player of the year for Gateway High in 1987.

Bray graduated from Pitt in 1992 after a stellar career as a linebacker for the Panthers. He also coached at Duquesne, Western Kentucky and Villanova and later worked with Rhoads at Pittsburgh, where Bray spent seven seasons.

Bray was the linebackers coach when Rhoads was Pitt’s defensive coordinator.