D.C. Koehl, an administrator in Ohio State’s Department of Athletics, died Thursday due to complications resulting from a fall he had in November.

Koehl was 61 years old and in his 39th year at OSU.

Chris Schneider, associate athletics director, reflected on Koehl’s experience at the department.

“D.C. was one of the most dedicated and well-respected individuals in this Athletics Department,” Schneider said in a press release.

Koehl spent his undergraduate years at OSU working as a basketball manager under Hall of Fame coach Fred Taylor. Koehl pursued a job in the athletic department’s information office shortly after graduating from the university in 1973.

Koehl was the athletics communications contact for men’s and women’s volleyball teams for the past 30 years, including last year when the men’s volleyball team won its first NCAA championship.

“Not only did he provide great support to the coaches and student-athletes here at Ohio State, but he worked tirelessly for the sport of volleyball and the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. We have all lost a dear friend today,” Schneider said.

Men’s volleyball coach Pete Hanson said he is grateful Koehl was able to share the championship with them.

“I am so thankful that D.C. had the opportunity to be with us in State College this past May to witness our finest hour as a program,” Hanson said. “I really feel like he probably was out there playing every moment on the court with our kids. Though he would probably never show outwardly how much he enjoyed that night, I believe that deep down it might have been one of his best Ohio State moments. Those thoughts make me very happy for D.C.”

Koehl was also the communication contact for the entire Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association and for the OSU rifle and pistol teams.

James Sweeney, coach of the OSU pistol team, said he knew Koehl for 10 years and the loss is personal and professional.

“He was by far the best shooting PR man that we’ve ever had,” Sweeney said. “He took the time to learn about the sport … That’s not something a lot of PR people do for a minor sport.”

Sweeney said Koehl was outstanding at his job and he will be missed.

“It won’t be the same going over to the PR office anymore,” Sweeney said. “It was so nice to talk to someone who showed a true interest in a non-revenue sport. He treated it just like it was football, except we had guns instead of footballs.”

In 1999, Koehl received a 25-year award from the College Sports Information Directors of America, of which he was a member for 37 years.

“He will be missed greatly for his professionalism and support,” Hanson said. “I have never met a finer Buckeye. He truly was a dear friend and colleague.”

Chelsea Castle contributed to this story.