Ray Lewis III, son of NFL Hall of Fame linebacker, passes away

Ray Lewis III, the oldest son of Baltimore Ravens great Ray Lewis, has died at the age of 28. His brother, Rahsaan Lewis, confirmed the news via Instagram.

No cause of death was released at the time of publication. Rahsaan Lewis, who most recently played college football himself at Kentucky, posted a tribute to his late brother on his Instagram story Thursday.

“Really can’t believe I’m even typing this but RIP big brother,” Rahsaan wrote. “A true angel I pray [you’re] at peace now because ik how much you was rlly hurtin. I don’t and won’t ever have the words man cuz this pain right here…I love you I love you I love you. Your niece gone miss you and she will hear about u over and over. Just watch over us all big bruh be our guardian. I promise I’ll make you smile and proud.”

Lewis III started his college football career at Miami before transferring to Coastal Carolina. However, he was dismissed from the CCU program in 2016 after facing third degree criminal sexual assault charges. The charges were later dropped, according to the Orlando Sentinel, and he finished out his career at Virginia Union in 2017.

Virginia Union’s associate head coach, Diego Ryland, spoke with TMZ about the news of Lewis III’s death and called it “very unfortunate” news

“Great young man and a better teammate,” Ryland said. “The entire Virginia Union University community is praying for the family as they deal with the loss of Ray.”

More on Ray Lewis III

Lewis III played high school football at Lake Mary Prep (FL), where he totaled 1,898 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. He then arrived at Miami as a three-star prospect and was the No. 1,032 overall recruit in the country from the 2013 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

After spending two years at Miami, Lewis III transferred to Coastal Carolina, where he appeared in 12 games in 2015. He totaled 19 tackles that year before his dismissal and eventual transfer to Virginia Union. With the Panthers, Lewis III had 37 tackles and three tackles for loss in 2017 as he rounded out his collegiate career.

From there, Lewis III went on to play indoor football with the Wyoming Mustangs in 2021. He was also pursuing a career in music at the time of his death.