Eagles Fans Saddened by Garrett Reid's Death

Shock and sadness gripped fans Sunday upon learning that the eldest son of Coach Andy Reid had died.

At training camp at  between practices Sunday, fans milled around the merchandise tent, some stating "What?" and "That's Crazy" upon being told of the news about the 

Others, who had already heard the news, said they were stunned and saddened.

"I'm heartbroken for his family," said Jason Turner of Lincoln, who heard the news on the radio while driving up to camp. "The Reid sons had some struggles over the last couple of years. This is some sad news."

, 29, was found in his bed at the Sayre Park dorms following  and drug dealing. Reid was helping at camp with players' stength training and conditioning. The death is under investigation.

 was absent from Sunday morning's practice. The team did hold an afternoon practice Sunday and all practices were expected to continue until Coach Reid's return.

Ray Swendlow of Huntington Valley said Reid and his wife shouldn't be blamed for their son's death.

"It's a sad situation," Swendlow said. "This doesn't have to do, though, with how Reid raised his kids. You can't judge the parents. They did their best. It's terribly sad and tragic."

Barry Romeo of Buena, N.J., had brought his family to camp for the first time. He was wearing a vintage Wilbert Montgomery jersey.

Romeo held out hope that the team, which went through a rough season after high expectations last year, could rally around Reid.

"It's very sad," he said. "But I think they can bounce back. I think this might bring everyone closer together."

For Anthony Granberg of East Brunswick, N.J., the news really hit home.

Granberg had brought his 10-year-old son with him to camp Sunday. They both were sporting Michael Vick jerseys.

"It's really disappointing," Granberg said. "It might put a burden on the season. It's gonna be in his mind."

Granberg said he knew to a degree where Reid was coming from: He lost his father five years ago.

"He never saw me get married, never saw my kids, never saw my house," Granberg said, his voice trailing off.

"That thought [of losing his son] is going to be on his mind," he said. "It's going to have an impact on the team. I don't know whether he'll fully be able to concentrate on the game. I just hope everyone can pick him up, to get us a good season and give us a happy ending."

Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and defensive coordinator Juan Castillo oversaw the team's practice Sunday morning and will oversee the team until Reid returns, the team said.

The Eagles' first pre-season game is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. The team's season opener is Sept. 9 at the Cleveland Browns.

Andy Reid and his family live in Villanova.