Sumter, S.C. — If life is measured by the people you impact, UNC wide receiver Tylee Craft was a very rich man.

Family, coaches and teachers came together Sunday at Sumter High School in South Carolina to honor Craft at a celebration of life. Craft died on Oct. 12 after being diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer in spring of 2022.

He was 23 years old.

“He’s just an incredible young person,” UNC head coach Mack Brown said last week. “Without getting into faith here or religion, we got to hope that he’s healthy right now and he’s got a smile on his face.”

Pictures and Carolina memorabilia decorated the gym, where the ceremony was held.

Brown said Craft outlived his initial diagnosis and did so with a purpose.

“This young man fought so hard for his two and a half years,” Brown said. “The doctors told us he outlived what he should’ve. And he did it with the spirit, he did it with a smile on his face, he didn’t miss a meeting, he didn’t miss practice, he coached these other incredible young people.”

The football program announced Craft’s death right after the end of the Tar Heels’ game with Georgia Tech.

“Tylee meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we’ll always be thankful for,” the program posted on social media. “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.”

Source: wralsportsfan.com