Dabo Swinney releases statement on passing of Ella Bresee

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney released a statement about Ella Bresee Thursday morning after she passed away following a battle with brain cancer.

Ella Bresee is the younger sister of Tigers star defensive tackle Bryan Bresee. She was 15 years old.

“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,” Swinney said. “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.”

Ella Bresee was on Clemson’s campus last week, spending time around the football program.

She was set to be honored at this past weekend’s game against Furman but had a setback and had to be rushed to the hospital.

Swinney said during his weekly teleconference Wednesday night that Ella was fighting for her life.

Bryan Bresee is currently back home with his family and has been since this weekend. Swinney was asked Wednesday if he expects Bryan to play this Saturday against Louisiana Tech.

“I don’t know and really don’t care. There’s a lot more important things than football,” Swinney said. “He needs to focus on what he’s doing. When he’s ready to be back and ready to play, hey, we’ll, be here. But right now he’s right where he needs to be.”

Several members of the Clemson football team were close with Ella Bresee, including Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.

The entire Clemson football team has rallied around Bryan Bresee and the Bresee family during this difficult time.

“I’m proud of our team for how they’ve come alongside Bryan and his family – the Bresee family. That’s what Ella Strong is all about. Today [was] something that we wanted to do as a team. Unfortunately, Ella wasn’t able to be here today. She was here all week, and she got a chance to speak to the team on Wednesday. But she had a real setback,” 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.”