North Carolina student coach, former WR Tylee Craft died Saturday after lung cancer battle, school announces

North Carolina football shared a tragic announcement on Saturday afternoon, relaying that former wideout and student coach Tylee Craft’s condition took a terminal turn, and head coach Mack Brown confirmed Craft died this morning.

Craft was recently hospitalized as his condition deteriorated. And a week after being admitted for more intensive treatment, the somber news came from the Tar Heels.

“It is with love and fond memories that we announce Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side,” the North Carolina football account on Twitter said. “Tylee meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we’ll always be thankful for. He was 1-of-1 and, while he won’t be with us in body, he’ll be watching over us with his endearing smile and endless positivity. On behalf of his family and our program, we sincerely thank everyone who supported Tylee during his battle with cancer. It means more than you know.”

Saturday was also a game dedicated to Craft, specifically, as the Tar Heels played an annual cancer awareness game. Craft, due to his worsening condition, couldn’t attend in person.

But Brown shared how much it meant to keep a member of the team front of mind for such a dedication.

“Let me start by saying this is the cancer awareness week for our game. We are dedicating the game to Tylee Craft,” said Brown. “We’re not sure that he’ll be able to come. We’re hoping he’ll feel better by then.”

Craft appeared in 11 games at wide receiver and on special teams for North Carolina over his first two seasons. However, with his diagnosis of a rare lung cancer in stage four, he missed each of the last two. Craft has now since medically retired in order to serve as a student coach at UNC.

As for the rest of their commemorations on Saturday, Brown said the Tar Heels will choose people who cancer has affected to recognize. They also wore shirts with his number on them and ‘Tylee Strong’.

“Each of the players will pick someone in their life that is affected, has been affected by cancer or a family. They will dedicate the week to them,” said Brown. “Again, continue to pray for Tylee. I’m going to wear his shirt all week. We’ll wear t-shirts in his honor for The Bell Tower Walk on Saturday.”