Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : UNC-Chapel Hill is mourning the loss of one of its own, Tylee Craft, a former football star and student assistant coach. Craft, a talented wide receiver from Sumter, South Carolina, played in 11 games for the Tar Heels before being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer at the young age of 23. Despite his diagnosis, Craft continued to attend team meetings, practices, and games while undergoing aggressive treatments.
Craft’s passing came after a two-year battle with the rare form of cancer, leaving his teammates, coaches, and fans heartbroken. The news was revealed after the team’s game against Georgia Tech, which was also their annual Cancer Awareness game. Craft’s family and friends, including his mother, wore shirts bearing his number 13 and name in his honor during the game.
Tar Heels coach Mack Brown shared his deep sorrow over Craft’s death, highlighting the impact the young athlete had on everyone he crossed paths with. Craft’s resilience and positive attitude throughout his battle with cancer earned him the 2022 Disney Spirit Award, recognizing him as the most inspirational college football player.
In a touching tribute, Craft’s teammates will wear his name and number on their helmets for the remainder of the season, with receivers rotating wearing his jersey during each game. Craft’s legacy of courage, strength, and unwavering spirit will forever be remembered by the UNC-Chapel Hill community.
As we reflect on the life of Tylee Craft, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on those around them. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew him, both on and off the field.
Tylee Craft dies at 23; beloved Tar Heel loses battle with cancer | WFAE 90.7
Who was Tylee Craft?
UNC-Chapel Hill has lost one of its beloved football stars. Tylee Craft, a former wide receiver with the Tar Heels and a student assistant coach, died Saturday after a two-year battle with a rare form of lung cancer. He was 23.
What was Tylee Craft’s background?
Craft, a native of Sumter, South Carolina, played in 11 games for the Tar Heels before he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.
How did the team and coaches learn of Tylee Craft’s passing?
The team and coaches learned of the popular receiver’s passing after Saturday’s loss to Georgia Tech, which was also the team’s annual Cancer Awareness game.
What was the reaction of Tylee Craft’s family and friends at the game?
Many of Craft’s family and friends, including his mother, wore shirts with Craft’s number 13 and name on them, and they were recognized during the game. Tar Heels coach Mack Brown learned of Craft’s death after the game and announced it in his post-game press conference.
How did Mack Brown remember Tylee Craft?
“We had Tylee for 23 years. Obviously, 23 is not enough. If I could swap places with him today, I would,” Brown said.
What was Tylee Craft’s journey after his diagnosis?
Craft, who reportedly had been given only weeks to live when he was diagnosed in March 2022, underwent aggressive treatments and continued to attend team meetings, practices, and games. He received his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science/sports administration and went on to enroll in graduate school while still undergoing treatment.
What recognition did Tylee Craft receive?
Craft, a 2019 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas selectee, received the 2022 Disney Spirit Award, given annually to the most inspirational college football player. Craft was recognized for his courage and positive attitude while battling cancer, and his visits to other cancer patients.
How is Tylee Craft being honored by his teammates?
According to The Daily Tar Heel, his teammates will wear his name and number on the back of their helmets for the rest of the season, and receivers will rotate wearing his jersey each game.
**Who was Tylee Craft and where was he from?**
Craft was a former wide receiver with the Tar Heels and a student assistant coach at UNC-Chapel Hill. He hailed from Sumter, South Carolina.
**How many games did Tylee Craft play for the Tar Heels before his diagnosis?**
Craft played in 11 games for the Tar Heels before he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.
**When did Tylee Craft pass away and how did the team and coaches find out?**
Craft passed away on a Saturday after the team’s loss to Georgia Tech. The team and coaches learned of his passing after the game.
**What event was happening during the game in honor of cancer awareness and how was Tylee Craft remembered?**
The game was the team’s annual Cancer Awareness game. Many of Craft’s family and friends, including his mother, wore shirts with Craft’s number 13 and name on them, and they were recognized during the game.
**How did Tar Heels coach Mack Brown react to Tylee Craft’s passing and what did he say about him to the players?**
Coach Mack Brown learned of Craft’s death after the game and announced it in his post-game press conference. Brown mentioned that the players had visited Craft in hospice and expressed his admiration for Craft’s courage.
**What was Tylee Craft studying and how did he continue his education despite his illness?**
Craft received his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science/sports administration. He then enrolled in graduate school while still undergoing treatment for his cancer.
**What award did Tylee Craft receive in 2022 and why was he recognized for it?**
Craft received the 2022 Disney Spirit Award, given annually to the most inspirational college football player. He was recognized for his courage and positive attitude while battling cancer, as well as his visits to other cancer patients.
**How are Tylee Craft’s teammates honoring him for the rest of the season?**
According to The Daily Tar Heel, Craft’s teammates will wear his name and number on the back of their helmets for the rest of the season, and receivers will rotate wearing his jersey each game. The news of Tylee Craft’s passing hit the UNC-Chapel Hill football team and coaches hard. They had just suffered a tough loss to Georgia Tech, and the annual Cancer Awareness game had added emotional weight to the day. Craft, a popular receiver on the team, had been battling a rare form of lung cancer for two years. His passing came as a shock to many, including his teammates, friends, and family.
After the game, Craft’s mother and other loved ones wore shirts bearing his number 13 and name, honoring him during the Cancer Awareness game. Tar Heels coach Mack Brown, who had a close relationship with Craft, broke the news of his passing in a somber post-game press conference. Brown shared how the team had known Craft was very ill and had visited him in hospice before his passing. He spoke of Craft’s impact on the team and how much he would be missed.
Craft’s journey with cancer had been a difficult one. Diagnosed in March 2022 with only weeks to live, he underwent aggressive treatments while continuing to be a presence at team events. Despite his health struggles, Craft managed to earn his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science/sports administration. He even started graduate school while undergoing treatment, showing incredible determination and resilience.
In recognition of his bravery and positive attitude in the face of adversity, Craft was posthumously awarded the 2022 Disney Spirit Award, given to the most inspirational college football player. Known for his visits to other cancer patients and his unwavering spirit, Craft left a lasting impact on those around him. His teammates, in a touching tribute, will wear his name and number on their helmets for the remainder of the season. Additionally, receivers on the team will take turns wearing his jersey in his honor during each game.
Craft’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His strength, courage, and kindness will be remembered by all who were touched by his story. As the UNC-Chapel Hill community mourns the loss of a beloved member, they also celebrate the impact Craft had on their lives. Though he may no longer be with them physically, his spirit will always be a part of the Tar Heels family.
Sources:
1. NPR
2. The Daily Tar Heel