Tony York (far right) founded Koda, a company focused on preparing young people for their first jobs GETTY IMAGES
TONY YORK, the son of 49ers co-Chairs DENISE DEBARTOLO YORK and JOHN YORK and brother of CEO JED YORK, "has died" at the age of 35, according to the S.F. CHRONICLE. A cause of death "wasn't given in a statement from the York family." Tony York was a "high-tech entrepreneur who founded Koda, a company focused on preparing young people for their first jobs upon graduating college" (SFGATE.com, 12/8). In San Jose, Curtis Pashelka noted Jed York was at Levi's Stadium for Broncos-49ers yesterday, giving an "emotional speech to the team in the locker room after the 20-14 win." He said, "My brother was a great kid. He loved everything about this, he loved everything about you guys. ... This team is going to be a champion. I'm going to leave a ring when we get one for my brother." Pashelka noted the 49ers held a "moment of silence" prior to national anthem. 49ers coach KYLE SHANAHAN said, "This game was definitely for him." A source said that it is "believed York took his own life." 49ers CB RICHARD SHERMAN said, "Obviously it was a huge loss to the organization and the York family when Tony passed away. So obviously there was a lot of enthusiasm to get this game for him, the family, Dr. York, Denise. ... We pulled it out for the family and it feels good to win, especially in a tough season like the one we've been having." After the game, Jed York said, "You guys keep fighting your asses off, and I'm going to get my brother a ring. I appreciate this very, very much" (MERCURYNEWS.com, 12/9).
