North Carolina wide receiver Tyree Craft passed away Saturday after a battle with lung cancer, the school announced.
He was 23 years old.
“Tyree meant a lot to so many people and impacted us in a way that we will always be grateful for. He was one of one and physically with us. Although he is no longer with us, he will be watching over us with his adorable smile and endless positivity,” UNC wrote in a statement.
Craft, who signed with the school before the 2020 season, appeared in 11 games for the Tar Heels before being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March 2022.
of Tar Heels receive Kraft with a pregame tribute before Saturday's game against Georgia Tech.
fellow UNC wide receiver JJ Jones wears Kraft No. 13 for his honor.
UNC head coach Mack Brown said the team didn't learn of his death until after Saturday's game, but had a chance to say goodbye earlier this week.
“We told the players at practice Thursday that he was going to go to hospice, and we all know what that means,” Brown said Saturday. “So everyone ran to meet him, hugged him, talked to him, laughed with him.”
