Tylee Craft, beloved UNC receiver, dies of cancer at 23

North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft died Saturday morning after a long battle with cancer, the school announced.

Craft, 23, of Sumter, South Carolina, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer on March 14, 2022. The UNC community had rallied behind him since his diagnosis with the hashtag #TyleeStrong. He had undergone numerous treatments, but the cancer had spread throughout his body and brain. Still, he enrolled in postgraduate courses toward his master's degree in applied professional studies and graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in exercise science/sports administration.

The North Carolina football team released the following statement Saturday afternoon following its 41-34 loss to Georgia Tech:

“It is with love and fond memories that we announce that Tylee Craft has begun its 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 one of them all.” Even though he won't be with us physically, he will watch over us with his loving smile and endless positivity. On behalf of his family and the Tar Heel football program, we sincerely thank everyone who supported Tylee during his battle with cancer. It means more than you know.

Craft had been dealing with debilitating back pain, so UNC's athletic training team took him to the hospital in 2022 for further testing to determine the cause. At that time, he was diagnosed with stage 4 large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. He immediately began aggressive chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

When Craft was diagnosed, his family members said doctors told them he was just weeks away from death, according to UNC.

In 2022, Craft was honored with the Disney Spirit Award, given annually to college football's most inspiring person or team. He was also one of five college athletes named to the Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Team this year.

According to the Fayetteville Observer, UNC receiver JJ Jones wore Craft's No. 13 jersey against Georgia Tech on Saturday and scored a touchdown in the first half.