Bret Bearup passes away at 56

Former UK basketball player Bret Bearup has died. He was just 56 years old. Bearup was found dead on Thursday in Denver and the cause of death is unknown, per the Lexington Herald Leader's Jerry Tipton. As a star recruit Bearup never did fully live up to expectations at UK during his career that spanned five years from the 1980-1981 season to 1985, but he made a lasting impression off the court. A fan favorite, Bearup had an amazing personality. Bearup would play in 26 games his freshman season coming from Greenlawn, N.Y., but would miss the following season and redshirt. UK's front court featured stars like Sam Bowie and Melvin Turpin, so the 6-foot-9, 230-pound center/forward didn't see much action until his senior season. He played in 31 games in 1985 while averaging 6.3 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game. The Cats lost in the Sweet 16 to St. John's to end Bearup's career. Bearup's sudden passing comes after his ex-wife BethAnn Bearup told Tipton that he had recently lost 80 pounds and was "feeling good." Keep his three kids in your thoughts and prayers. The sudden passing of Bearup won't be easy for anyone that knew him. Several have already taken to Twitter to express kind words and memories. https://twitter.com/kysportsradio/status/997305779760885760?s=21 https://twitter.com/kysportsradio/status/997311403613704192?s=21 https://twitter.com/wildcatnews/status/997310580183781378?s=21 https://twitter.com/wildcatnews/status/997307513639981056?s=21 https://twitter.com/wildcatnews/status/997313802722054146?s=21 https://twitter.com/jdrumuk/status/997302881689702401?s=21 https://twitter.com/theaviationbeat/status/997308959601111040?s=21 https://twitter.com/waltermccarty/status/997306140923957248?s=21 https://twitter.com/andyglockner/status/997310091207630848?s=21 https://twitter.com/rickbozich/status/997316700449181696?s=21 https://twitter.com/buzzbaker/status/997312863982292992?s=21 https://twitter.com/sethdavishoops/status/997310192487411712?s=21 https://twitter.com/markcstory/status/997305854302048257?s=21 https://twitter.com/adater/status/997317103794425858?s=21 https://twitter.com/coachryanmiller/status/997302628211142656?s=21 https://twitter.com/tsnmike/status/997317419105386497?s=21