North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft died on Saturday at the age of 23 following a battle with lung cancer.
Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown announced the news after UNC’s 41-34 loss at home to Georgia Tech and disclosed that Craft had died earlier in the day.
The Tar Heels sent out a tribute to the late Craft.
“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,” North Carolina wrote in a statement.
“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.”
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
Craft appeared in 11 games from 2020-2021 for the Tar Heels. The former 4-star wide receiver recruit did not play thereafter because he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, which he battled over the last two and a half years.
North Carolina had designated Saturday’s game as a Cancer Awareness Game and had players and coaches wear shirts dedicated to Craft.
Tylee Strong. ✊ pic.twitter.com/mMTqq1tN6G
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 12, 2024
Teammate JJ Jones also wore Craft’s jersey to honor his friend.
JJ Jones will honor Tylee today by wearing his jersey during the game 🩵#CarolinaFootball 🏈 #UNCommon pic.twitter.com/OBnKvf2OrU
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 12, 2024
Tar Heels players were not made aware of Craft’s death until after the game.
Craft was a football, basketball and track star at Sumter High School in South Carolina.
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