UNC Football Mourns the Loss of Tylee Craft at 23 After His Brave Fight Against Cancer
UNC Football Star Tylee Craft Passes Away at 23
One of UNC football’s biggest stars passed away, and the team is in grief. The sudden loss of Tylee Craft has destroyed the hearts of his teammates, coaches, and supporters.
Tylee Craft, a wide receiver for the University of North Carolina, passed away tragically at the age of 23. Craft passed away on Saturday, October 12, after a fight with cancer, the school reported.
In a moving message posted on their official Instagram page, the UNC football team honored Craft and acknowledged the profound influence he had on everyone in his vicinity.
“It is with love and fond memories that we announce Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side,” the message stated. Craft was described as “1-of-1,” a player and person whose positive energy will continue to shine even in his absence, in the homage, which emphasized his special presence.
The UNC football team was extremely appreciative of the help Craft had during his battle with cancer. “We want to express our gratitude to everyone who helped Tylee during his fight with cancer on behalf of his family and our program. In reference to Craft’s lasting impact, the statement ended with the hashtag #TyleeStrongForever. “It means more than you know,” it said.
On March 14, 2022, Craft received a rare cancer diagnosis, which marked the beginning of his fight against the disease. Nevertheless, his voyage was characterized by extraordinary fortitude.
He posted the devastating update on social media only days after receiving his diagnosis, writing, “I got life-altering news on March 14, but I’ve already started my journey, and we’re on a route to success 💙.” Tar Heel Nation, I’ll be back.”
Craft gave followers an update on July 19, 2024, thanking them for their love and support while he fought on. Craft maintained a close relationship with the UNC football program despite the most difficult obstacles he had to overcome.
He moved into coaching after quitting from the sport due to health issues. He would cheerfully arrive at practices and games as early as six in the morning, motivating everyone around him while undergoing life-threatening medical procedures.
Despite missing the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to his illness battle, his energy and contributions to the club went well beyond the field. Craft competed against Virginia Tech, Georgia State, Duke, and Wofford in four games as a wide receiver and on special teams during his sophomore campaign in 2021.
He played in seven games during his rookie season in 2020, including a standout performance against Texas A&M in the Orange Bowl.
He won the Disney Spirit Award and was selected for the Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Team, demonstrating his continued influence even after leaving the game. In addition, Craft excelled academically, graduating in the spring of 2024 and attending graduate school while juggling his medical treatments.
He was referred to be “an extraordinary young man” on his GoFundMe website, which raised money for his medical bills, and he maintained his optimism and hope despite the disease spreading to his liver, brain, and spine.
In recent months, his health had deteriorated, necessitating care outside of the state. His tenacity and optimism served as an example to his colleagues and the larger UNC community in spite of the difficulties he encountered.
Craft made an impression at Sumter High School before establishing himself at UNC. As an early enrollee, Craft made a name for himself as a top prospect, getting a four-star prospect ranking and being ranked by ESPN as the 60th-ranked wide receiver in the US and the seventh-ranked athlete in South Carolina.
Additionally, he received a three-star rating from 247Sports, which ranked him as Georgia’s tenth-best player. He qualified for the Carolinas’ coveted 2019 Shrine Bowl because to his on-field prowess.
Craft had an equally impressive junior season, hauling in 21 passes for 400 yards and five touchdowns. Craft excelled at other sports than football, competing in track and field for two years and basketball for three.
Craft looked dapper and sophisticated in a black suit, white shirt, and black bow tie in his last social media image on September 16.
Craft exuded strength and composure in the set of pictures, which saw her standing in some and sitting in others. Fans have showered the post with sincere condolences after learning of his passing.
“Hometown Hero.” Peace be with you, bro. 💙” Someone wrote. “Go rest high on that mountain, Tylee,” said another. You have won the race and completed the battle. Tylee Craft, may you rest in eternal peace. The tar heel acquired wings. “Tragic man, all love to you, your family, and your friends,” wrote another user. “Prayers everywhere 🩵”
Craft’s memory continues to be a source of strength and solidarity as the team gets ready to go forward without him. Everyone who had the honor of knowing him is forever changed by him.
