Ex-Coach Shot While Jogging

Sat., July 3, 1999

Former Northwestern University basketball coach Ricky Byrdsong was shot in the lower back while jogging near his home, police said.

Byrdsong, 42, was listed in critical condition at Evanston Hospital, where he was undergoing surgery.

Skokie Police Lieutenant Barry Silverberg said Byrdsong was jogging a block from his home, with his 8-year-old son, who was riding a bicycle. Silverberg said someone in a car fired at least seven shots at Byrdsong with a .22-caliber handgun.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Ex-Coach Shot While Jogging

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Updated: As Mead grad Elijah Hainline impresses in Double-A, he keeps mind on big-league dream: 'I'm always learning and growing'

Updated: German guard Jack Kayil electing to stay in NBA Draft, won't play at Gonzaga in 2026-27

Updated: Seahawks will play Patriots in Super Bowl rematch in opener, report says