Dabo Swinney updates how Bryan Bresee is doing after family tragedy

Dabo Swinney gave an update on the status of Bryan Bresee, following a family tragedy that kept him out of Clemson’s game against Louisiana Tech. That tragedy was the death of his sister, Ella, who had brain cancer.

Bryan Bresee previously announced her death in an Instagram post, writing, “My beautiful sister Ella you amazed me every single day with the fight that you put up and how joyful you were constantly through this battle. Never did I think I would be sitting here today saying bye to you. I want to thank you for bringing happiness to not only me but so many people. You are the best sister a brother could as for and I know for a fact heaven has gained a beautiful angel today. Love you forever and always Ella bear.”

Louisiana Tech and head coach Sonny Cumbie decided to honor Ella for their game against Clemson. Every player wrote a letter to Bryan Bresee, while Cumbie wore an Ella Strong t-shirt. It was a move that Dabo Swinney applauded.

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“Class guy, class act. His whole football team. He came out with an Ella Strong shirt. He gave me a note that he wrote Bryan and I think his team wrote letters. It just makes my heart smile. In this competitive world we’re in, there’s people out there like Sonny Cumbie and that LA Tech crowd. Class group and I appreciate that gesture,” Dabo Swinney said.

While speaking to the media, Dabo Swinney was asked for an update on Bryan Bresee and to see how he was handling things.

“Yeah, he is [handing things as well as possible],” Dabo Swinney said. “Yesterday was a tough, long day, for sure. He’s been through a lot. I mean, it’s been a long journey, but certainly kind of culminating with the Furman game and then four plus days in the hospital, you know, all day every day, and just the emotions of that.”

“And then the closure that comes with it, you know, just yesterday, and so it’ll be–this will be something he’ll deal with for the rest of his life, for sure. But he’s got a great support group. Got an amazing family, you know, they really–and I think Ella, just her words, her joy, the things she wrote, hopefully they can all take some peace in that. We certainly keep our arms around him and I know he’s looking forward to getting back with his teammates and playing some ball.”

Clemson plays Wake Forest on Saturday, September 24th. Bryan Bresee is expected to play in that game.

Ella Bresee was 15 years old.

Dabo Swinney’s statement on Ella Bresee

Following Ella Bresee’s death, Dabo Swinney gave a statement about the tragedy:

“Our prayers continue to be with the entire Bresee family. We are all so appreciative of all the love and support that has been shown by the Clemson family and so many others during this time. Ella was such a sweet spirit, and her spirit will continue to live on throughout the Bresee family and everyone who had the opportunity to know her. I am stronger today for having experienced Ella’s strength and courage,” Dabo Swinney said.

“We love the Bresees. It’s an amazing family. She’s 15 years old and she’s just got a beautiful heart, a beautiful spirit. She’s the toughest Bresee in that whole family. It’s just a really tough time right now for all of them. And so to be able to kind of come alongside them – you can’t take the pain away but you can share in it and walk through it with them. That’s what our team is trying to do with Bryan.”