After the match between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans last night, a piece of disappointing news rocked the NFL world. Longtime NFL official and US Airforce veteran Carl Madsen was found dead in his car on his way home. The police department suspects it to be a case of a medical emergency gone wrong.

Losing Carl Madsen is monumental in stature for the league. The veteran has been officiating for over three decades in the NFL. Reacting to the news of his death; the NFL officiating remaining department and the referees association have released statements.

Walt Anderson releases a statement on the death of Carl Madsen

Carl Madsen began his officiating career in the NFL over 30 years ago. For a veteran with 30 years of experience, it was natural that obituaries and statements would come pouring in for the deceased. NFL’s Walt Anderson was the first to release a statement. He shared his condolences and acknowledged the void left by him in the statement.

“Carl Madsen was an NFL officiating fixture for more than two decades, first as a highly respected on-field official before transitioning to a replay role beginning in 2009,” NFL senior VP of officiating training and development Walt Anderson said in a statement.

“A terrific friend and colleague, Carl’s love of football and dedication to officiating was ever-present, as he generously shared his time to mentor young officials at clinics across the country. A veteran of the Air Force, Carl had a tremendous spirit and will be greatly missed.”

Read more: BREAKING: New York Jets Already Eyeing Zach Wilson Replacement After He Suffers Injury

The NFL Referees Association also released a statement

Soon after, NFL Referees Association president Scott Green also released a statement to Pro Football Talk.  In his statement, Green shared a funny anecdote revealing the reason behind why Madsen was called “Big Country” and why his absence will hurt.

“Carl will be missed by those who worked with him on the field and in replay,” Green said. “He had a nickname among his fellow officials of “Big Country” which was not only related to his size but to his big personality as a warm and generous man.”

This truly is a humongous loss for NFL.

Also Read: SHOCKER! Former Patriots and New Orleans Saints WR Chris Hogan Announces Early Retirement