EDINBURG – The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers are saddened to announce that team photographer Dutch Cowgill passed away on Tuesday at the age of 59 due to a heart attack. He had been working with UTPA Athletics since November 2010 and the Vipers since November 2007.
 
The Broncs will honor Cowgill on next week's episode of Bronc Country and at the women's basketball game against UT Arlington on December 18 at 7 p.m. at the UTPA Fieldhouse. There will be a moment of silence before the national anthem as well as a tribute on the video board at halftime.
 
The Vipers will hold a moment of silence for Cowgill at their game against Springfield on December 19 at 7 p.m. at State Farm Arena.
 
During his time with UTPA Athletics, Cowgill took photos of all 14 sports, while also serving as the photographer at press conferences, special events and community activities. He also created highlight reels for individual teams and a long-form presentation for the video board during the annual student-athlete awards banquet.
 
Cowgill was the first team photographer for the Vipers, working all home games and occasionally driving to road games to take photos as well. He also attended numerous community events.
 
He is survived by his wife, Dana, of Edinburg.
 
"Dutch was a master of capturing grace in action," UTPA President Dr. Robert S. Nelsen said. "The Broncs family will miss him, and no game at the field house will be the same without him."
 
"On behalf of the Vipers ownership, we appreciate the six seasons Dutch volunteered with our team," Vipers Principal Owner Alonzo Cantu said. "He was a tremendous asset to the Rio Grande Valley community and will be missed."
 
"On behalf of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, we send our deep sympathy to the Cowgill family, and his wife, Dana," UTPA Director of Athletics Chris King said. "Dutch was an integral part of UTPA Athletics and believed in our mission and vision of student-athlete success. He was at every event. Even knee surgery couldn't keep him away from our baseball games last spring.
 
"On a personal note, he was always very supportive towards me behind the scenes. He never doubted the changes and the growth and always lent a supportive word. In our quest for promoting Bronc athletics, Dutch was at the forefront of making our initiatives come to life. We will miss his commitment, support and positive demeanor.
 
"After every home event over the last two years, I had the opportunity to say thank you to him. I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you one last time."
 
"The entire Vipers organization is saddened to learn of Dutch's passing. He was an important member of our team and provided great memories for all of us by capturing our games and passion for basketball through photography," Vipers President Bert Garcia said. "I had the pleasure of knowing Dutch since our inaugural season and he was a great friend to me and our team. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and wife, Dana."
 
"Dutch was a very good and gentle man and it was evident that he really enjoyed his job. You would never see Dutch without his camera and he was always positive and had great enthusiasm," UTPA baseball head coach Manny Mantrana said. "Our coaching staff and players really liked and respected Dutch. It seemed as if Dutch was a part of our team. We will miss him at our games. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
 
"Dutch was a great person with a kind and comforting personality and it was always a pleasure seeing him at events and home matches," UTPA women's tennis head coach Stephanie Vallejos said. "His friendly and generous nature will definitely be missed."
 
"The special thing about Dutch is that he never took photos for the money or the marketing aspects. He took the photos so the student-athletes would have memories that they could cherish for years to come." UTPA Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Jonah Goldberg said. "He cared so much about our student-athletes, and all he ever wanted was a thank you. He was a good photographer and an even better person. I'm proud to have been able to call him my friend."