LOOK: Family of Lacey Holsworth releases statement on Adreian Payne's death

In wake of the stunning murder of former Michigan State basketball star Adreian Payne, the family of Lacey Holsworth, a young girl who has since lost her battle with cancer back in 2014, released a statement in the days following his death.

Holsworth is most remembered for befriending Payne at a hospital visit in 2011, and joining the Michigan State basketball team in 2014 as they celebrated their Big Ten Championship victory. Holsworth joined Payne on the ladder as they cut down the nets as champions.

🌹Adreian🌹 pic.twitter.com/u0ZP0JURIV

— Lacey's Legacy✨ (@adorablelacey) May 12, 2022

“I’m shocked. I’m sad. I’m not surprised you were helping someone, you were always Superman. I’m not surprised you were seeking peace, you always were a gentle heart. What shocks me the most is that out of everyone, you will see her first,” the statement read about Payne and Holsworth.

Payne was shot and killed after a dispute in Florida, according to TMZ. Police said Payne was trying to be a “mediator” between a man and his girlfriend, and the man said he thought Payne “had no business being at his residence this late at night” and saw Payne’s “presence as a threat.” That’s why the man said his actions were justified.

The incident occurred in the early hours Monday morning in Orange County, Florida, according to police. Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press added more details via the Orange Country Sheriffs office.

“Two angels unexpectedly met on earth and unexpectedly reunite in Heaven,” the statement continued. “One might be tiny and other might be big, but both so strong and powerful. So different and yet exactly the same, driven always by LOVE … Thank you for everything that you are to your family, to us, to Lacey, to the entire MSU family (go green) and to the world you inspired.

“Until then, please give our Princess a hug, the kind that always made you smile because she wouldn’t let go. May you always feel your family, may you always have a hoop to dunk on , and may you forever know the love and gratitude of the lives you touched.”