Notre Dame announced some sad news on Wednesday.
Keith Penrod, the school’s No. 1 fan, has passed away at the age of 71, the school confirmed.
Penrod was “a constant presence at Irish athletics events throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s,” including games and practices.
In general, he seemed to live one heck of a life after only being given two days to live when he was born.
Born in Mishawaka, Indiana in 1952, doctors initially gave Penrod two days to live because he was born with his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, cutting off oxygen from his brain.
He spent 10 weeks confined to an incubator before living into his early 70s.
Penrod’s first Notre Dame game came in 1969 when he saw the program beat Air Force, 13-6. From there, he moved on to attending Fighting Irish basketball games, and eventually became a fixture in the crowd over the next few decades.
Per a release, visitation for Keith will be held this Thursday, June 20, at the Palmer Funeral Home-North Liberty Chapel. It’ll take place from 4-7 p.m. local time.
Our thoughts are with the Notre Dame community and the Penrod family. May Keith rest in peace.