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Tylee Craft, a wide receiver for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, passed away after a battle with cancer.
He was 23.
“It is with love and fond memories that we announce Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side. Tylee meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we’ll always be thankful for. He was 1-of-1 and, while he won’t be with us in body, he’ll be watching over us with his endearing smile and endless positivity,” Carolina Football announced.
“On behalf of his family and our program, we sincerely thank everyone who supported Tylee during his battle with cancer. It means more than you know. With love and affection, #TyleeStrongForever,” it added.
It is with love and fond memories that we announce Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side.
Tylee meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we’ll always be thankful for. He was 1-of-1 and, while he won’t be with us in body, he’ll be watching over us with his… pic.twitter.com/UutVS5QSKk
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 12, 2024
Per ESPN:
Craft, 23, of Sumter, South Carolina, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer on March 14, 2022. The UNC community had rallied behind him with the #TyleeStrong hashtag since his diagnosis. He had undergone numerous treatments, but the cancer spread through his body and brain. Still, he had enrolled in graduate courses toward a master’s degree in applied professional studies and graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science/sports administration.
UNC had honored Craft during Saturday’s football game against Georgia Tech. It also happened to be the team’s annual Cancer Awareness Game. Friends and family members wearing shirts bearing Craft’s name and number were recognized during an on-field ceremony.
Wide receiver J.J. Jones wore Craft’s jersey with his No. 13 and last name during the game. Additionally, the UNC men’s basketball team wore shirts bearing Craft’s name and number for its intrasquad scrimmage at the Smith Center following the football game, and had a pre-scrimmage moment of silence in Craft’s honor.
Here was the moment Mack Brown embraced Tylee Craft’s mom at the end of the first quarter.
Afterwards, the CW cameras captured Mack wiping away tears on the sideline.
(
: @TheCW_Sports) pic.twitter.com/T0Q1SdvmnC
— Josh Graham (@JoshGrahamShow) October 12, 2024
“This young man fought so hard for his two and a half years,” UNC football coach Mack Brown said, according to ESPN.
“The doctors told us he outlived what he should’ve. And he did it with the spirit, he did it with a smile on his face, he didn’t miss a meeting, he didn’t miss practice, he coached these other incredible young people,” he added.
WATCH:
In loving memory of Tylee Craft
#TyleeStrongForever pic.twitter.com/ixaSZY0TzB
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 12, 2024
Mack Brown embraced Tylee Craft’s mother throughout the 2-minute tribute to her son, then stepped back and waved his hands to lead a 13-second tribute to the Tar Heel who lost his life to cancer Saturday morning. Unspeakable grief today at Carolina. pic.twitter.com/liQRlRpvfM
— Lee Pace (@LeePaceTweet) October 12, 2024
From the Associated Press:
UNC football also announced Craft’s death in a statement posted on social media, followed later by a tribute video to Craft’s memory. Additionally, the UNC men’s basketball team wore shirts bearing Craft’s name and number for its intrasquad scrimmage at the Smith Center following the football game, and had a pre-scrimmage moment of silence in Craft’s honor.
Craft, from Sumter, South Carolina, played in seven games at receiver and on special teams as a true freshman in 2020, and four games in 2021 before his diagnosis. Still, he had remained present and close to the program.
“Tylee meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we’ll always be thankful for,” the football program’s statement said. “He was 1-of-1 and, while he won’t be with us in body, he’ll be watching over us with his endearing smile and endless positivity.”
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