North Carolina student coach, former WR Tylee Craft, died Saturday after a battle with lung cancer, the school said

North Carolina Football shared a tragic announcement Saturday afternoon telling this former wideout and student coach Tylee Crafts The condition took a deadly turn, and head coach Mack Brown confirmed that Craft died this morning.

was craft was recently hospitalized as his condition worsenedD. And a week after being admitted to more intensive treatment, the grim news came from the Tar Heels.

“It is with love and fond memories that we announce that Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side,” the North Carolina football account said on Twitter. “Tylee meant so much to so many and influenced us in ways for which we will always be grateful. He was a loner and even though he won't be with us physically, he will watch over us with his loving smile and endless positivity. On behalf of his family and our program, we sincerely thank everyone who supported Tylee in his fight against cancer. It means more than you know.”

Saturday was also a game specifically dedicated to craft as the Tar Heels played an annual cancer awareness game. Due to his deteriorating condition, Craft was unable to attend in person.

But Brown shared how much it meant Keep an eye on a member of the team for such commitment.

“Let me start by saying this is Cancer Awareness Week for our game. “We dedicate the game to Tylee Craft,” Brown said. “We are not sure if he can come. We hope he will feel better by then.”

Craft appeared in 11 games at wide receiver and on special teams for North Carolina in his first two seasons. However, he missed the final two due to a diagnosis of rare stage four lung cancer. Craft has since retired for health reasons to work as a student coach at UNC.

As for the rest of their memorial events on Saturday, Brown said the Tar Heels will select people affected by cancer to honor them. They also wore T-shirts with his number and the words “Tylee Strong.”

“Each of the players chooses someone in their life who has been affected, affected by cancer or has a family. They’re going to dedicate the week to them,” Brown said. “Pray for Tylee again. I'll be wearing his shirt all week. We will be wearing t-shirts in his honor at the Bell Tower Walk on Saturday.”