Tylee Craft, UNC receiver, dies at 23 after battle with cancer

North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft died after a battle with lung cancer on Saturday, the school announced.

He was 23 years old.

“Tylee meant so much to so many and affected us in ways we’ll always be thankful for. 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,” UNC wrote in a statement.

North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft (13) walks the bench during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Sept. 16, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. AP

After signing with the school before the 2020 season, Craft played in 11 games for the Tar Heels before being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March 2022.

The Tar Heels honored Craft before their game against Georgia Tech on Saturday with a pregame tribute.

Fellow UNC wide receiver J.J. Jones wore Craft’s No. 13 in his honor.

Head coach Mack Brown (L) of the North Carolina Tar Heels embraces September Craft, mother of North Carolina wide receiver Tylee Craft (not pictured), who is battling Stage 4 lung cancer, during the first half of the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Getty Images

UNC head coach Mack Brown said the team wasn’t aware of his passing until the end of Saturday’s game, but they had their chance to say goodbye earlier this week.

“We said to the players on Thursday at practice that he was going to hospice. They all know what that means,” Brown said Saturday. “So they all ran to see him. Hugged him, talked to him, laughed with him.”

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