St. Louis, Mo. – The Washington University in St. Louis Athletics Department mourns the loss of Hall of Famer Vernon Butler, who passed away on February 21 at the age of 47.
 
Butler was inducted into the WashU Hall of Fame in 2018 for his athletic achievements on the football and track and field teams.
 
"Vernon Butler graduated Washington University as one of the greatest athletes to have matriculated here," said former Head Football Coach Larry Kindbom. "He went into the Washington University Hall of Fame as a great football player and track star, who played a valuable role in winning championships in both sports. What made Vernon special, though, was his being the ultimate teammate. For his entire career, he averaged scoring a touchdown once every four times he would touch the ball, yet he would pull himself off the field to give others their opportunity to play. He was loved by all his teammates while he was here and continued that relationship with them after graduation. He will be missed."
 
In his time on the Danforth Campus, Butler was named the 1997 University Athletic Association (UAA) Offensive Player of the Year, was a two-time All-UAA First Team selection in 1996 and 1997 and an All-UAA Second Team honoree in 1995. Additionally, he earned the program's Darryl Sharp Memorial MVP Award in 1996 and 1997. Butler helped the Bears to three UAA Football Championships and a 27-11 record across four seasons.
 
A 1998 graduate of WashU, Butler remains atop multiple categories in the Bears' record book. He ranks No. 1 for all-time scoring with 39 touchdowns and one extra-point kick for 236 points. Butler also ranks No. 3 for all-time receiving yards and No. 5 for all-time pass receptions as he had 129 career receptions for 2,431 yards and 36 touchdowns.
 
Butler still owns the single-game records for yards gained receiving (233), yards per reception (46.6) and touchdown pass receptions (four). He also holds the season records for pass receptions (14) and points (92). Finally, Butler owns the career records for touchdown pass receptions (36), touchdowns scored (39) and total points (236).
 
On the track, Butler was a member of the UAA Champion 1,600 relay team at the 1997 UAA Indoor Championships and won the 1997 UAA Outdoor title in the 400m and 400 relay.