North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft died Saturday after a long battle with cancer, the school announced. He was 23 years old.
Craft was diagnosed with stage 4 large cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma, a rare form of cancer, on March 22, 2022, according to his GoFundMe. By ESPNThe cancer was discovered when UNC training staff took him to the hospital because he had been battling debilitating back pain, which led to aggressive chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment.
Unfortunately, the cancer eventually spread to the liver, brain and spine. The condition forced him to medically retire, but he remained active in the Tar Heels program as a coach.
With love and fond memories we announce that Tylee Craft has begun her journey to the other side.
Tylee meant a lot to so many people and affected us in ways we will always be grateful for. He was 1 of 1 and, although he will not be with us in body, he will take care of us with his… pic.twitter.com/UutVS5QSKk
— Carolina Fútbol (@UNCFootball) October 12, 2024
UNC statement announcing Craft’s death:
With love and fond memories we announce that Tylee Craft has begun her journey to the other side.
Tylee meant a lot to so many people and affected us in ways we will always be grateful for. He was 1 of 1 and, although he will not be with us in body, he will take care of us with his endearing smile and his infinite positivity.
On behalf of her family and our program, we sincerely thank everyone who supported Tylee during her battle with cancer. It means more than you think.
With love and affection, #TyleeStrongForever
Craft, originally from Sumter, South Carolina, joined the UNC program as a two-star recruit in the class of 2020. He appeared in 11 total games as a freshman and sophomore.
Mack Brown, UNC head coach told reporters After Saturday’s game, a 42-34 loss, his staff informed players at Thursday’s practice that Craft had entered hospice and only had a few days to live. He praised the strength Craft showed in his battle, which reportedly lasted much longer than his doctors expected:
“This young man fought very hard during his two and a half years. The doctors told us that he survived as long as he should have and he did it with spirit, and he did it with a smile on his face, and he didn’t miss any meetings, he didn’t miss the practice, he trained these other young people. He’s just an incredible young person.
UNC billed Saturday as its Cancer Awareness Game, with players and coaches wearing “Tylee Strong” T-shirts during the team’s walk through the Bell Tower. The UNC basketball team. He also wore the jerseys before Saturday’s practice game..
Wide receiver JJ Jones wore Craft’s No. 13 jersey during the Georgia Tech game, catching three passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. Jones posted another tribute after the game, as did wide receivers coach Lonnie Galloway and athletic director Bubba Cunningham.
Tylee Crafts. A South Carolina legend. I thank you for everything you have done for me and for inspiring me to always fight! God blessed me with another brother. I will love you forever Lee pic.twitter.com/1u9A0ZxnEo
-Jj Jones (@jjjones_5) October 12, 2024
