The University of North Carolina was rocked with terrible news this past weekend. Tar Heels star wide receiver, Tylee Craft has passed away. The Tar Heel stud was 23 years old.
Tar Heels Star Tylee Craft Succumbs to Cancer Battle
Following Craft's passing it was revealed that the Tar Heels star was fighting a cancer battle which he ultimately succumbed to. In a statement, the school noted the football star's "endless positivity," as one of the several characteristics that made him so special.
"It is with love and fond memories that we announce Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side," the school said in a release.
"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."
Mack Brown Pays Homage to Late Star
On Saturday Craft was honored by the team with 13 seconds of applause to represent his jersey number, with his mother Sharon in attendance. After their loss to Georgia Tech, Tar Heels coach Mack Brown recalled having to tell his team about Craft's passing. He noted that it was one of the most difficult things he has had to do in his career.
"You have to figure out how to tell a group - what a difficult thing to tell a group of young people about one of their best friends, and it triggers a lot of things that other people had in their lives," Brown said after the loss. "It's a very, very difficult time for them and at the same time, you do it in a dressing room right after you lost a heartbreaking game. So, they're struggling."
Brown also praised Craft for the resilience that he showed during his cancer battle.
"This young man fought so hard for his two and a half years. The doctors told us he outlived what he should have, and he did it with a spirit," Brown added.
"And he did it with a smile on his face. And he didn't miss a meeting, he didn't miss practice. He coached these other young people. He's just an incredible young person."
