A former athletics department media relations director and 17-year employee of the University died June 22.

Bill Crumley drowned last week in Gull Lake, near Brainerd, Minn. He was 43.

Since leaving the University in 2002, Crumley was the director of marketing and communications for Madden’s Resort and Convention Center on Gull Lake. He had just returned from the U.S. Open where he was the interview coordinator at the 18th hole, said Marc Ryan, associate athletics director.

“He was living out a dream on the lake. He really, really enjoyed the job,” Ryan said. “He’s a special guy – you could always count on Bill.”

A University alumnus, Crumley began working at the University as a football student manager for former coach Lou Holtz. He served as the men’s athletics director of media relations from 2000 to 2002 before leaving for his position at Madden’s Resort and Convention Center.

Mike Lockrem, athletics communications director, said Crumley helped hire or mentor many current staff members.

“I probably wouldn’t be sitting here if it wasn’t for him,” he said.

Tom Burch, chief deputy of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, said Crumley’s unoccupied boat was found at approximately 5:30 p.m. on June 22. His body was recovered the next day in 53 feet of water.

Funeral services were Tuesday in Minneapolis.

Crumley is survived by his wife Kimberly Crumley and two children, Ben Crumley and Ali Crumley. The Bill Crumley Memorial Trust was created in the names of his children to fund college scholarships. Donations can be made through Bremer Bank in Brainerd by calling (218) 829-8781.