The school announced that North Carolina forward Tylee Craft died Saturday after a long battle with cancer. He was 23 years old.
According to his results, on March 22, 2022, Craft was diagnosed with stage 4 large cell neuroendocrine lung cancer, a rare form of cancer. GoFundMe. Per ESPN The cancer was discovered when UNC training staff took him to the hospital because he was struggling with debilitating back pain that required extensive treatment with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unfortunately, the cancer eventually spread to his liver, brain and spine. The state forced him to retire for medical reasons, but he remained active in the Tar Heels program in a coaching role.
With love and fond memories, we announce that Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side.
Tylee meant so much to so many people and influenced us in ways we will always be grateful for. He was 1 on 1 and although he will not be with us physically, he will watch over us with his… pic.twitter.com/UutVS5QSKk
— Karolina Piłkarska (@UNCFootball) October 12, 2024
UNC statement announcing Craft's death:
With love and fond memories, we announce that Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side.
Tylee meant so much to so many and influenced us in ways for which we will always be grateful. He was 1 of 1 and although he won't be with us physically, he will watch over us with his endearing smile and endless positive attitude.
On behalf of his family and our program, we would like to thank everyone who supported Tylee in his fight against cancer. It means more than you think.
With love and affection #TyleeStrongForever 🩵
Craft, a native of Sumter, South Carolina, joined the UNC program as a two-star recruit in the class of 2020. He appeared in a total of 11 games as a freshman and sophomore.
UNC head coach Mack Brown told reporters after Saturday's game, in which he lost 42-34, his staff informed players at Thursday's practice that Craft had been placed in hospice and had only a few days left to live. He praised the strength Craft showed in his fight, which reportedly lasted much longer than his doctors expected:
“This young man has fought so hard in his two and a half years. The doctors told us that he survived what he needed to do, and he did it in spirit, and he did it with a smile on his face, and he didn't miss a single meeting, he didn't miss a training session, he trained other young people. She's just an amazing young person.
Brown was seen wiping away tears after a long hug with Craft's mother late in the first quarter.
UNC recognized Saturday as its cancer awareness game, with players and coaches wearing “Tylee Strong” T-shirts as the team walked through the Bell Tower. The UNC basketball team also wore their jerseys before Saturday's scrimmage.
Wide receiver JJ Jones wore Craft's No. 13 jersey during the game against Georgia Tech, catching three passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. After the game, Jones paid another tribute, as did wide receivers coach Lonnie Galloway and athletic director Bubba Cunningham.
TyleeCraft. South Carolina legend. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for inspiring me to keep fighting! God has blessed me with another brother. Love you forever Lee ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1u9A0ZxnEo
— Jj Jones (@jjjones_5) October 12, 2024
