Former Sumter High star Tylee Craft passes after lengthy cancer battle

Former Sumter High star Tylee Craft, who inspired so many during his courageous battle with cancer, passed away on Saturday, just 11 days after his 23rd birthday.

The University of North Carolina, where Craft played for two seasons prior to his cancer diagnosis in March of 2022, announced the loss shortly after their matchup with Georgia Tech.

“This young man fought so hard for his two and a half years,” head coach Mack Brown said after the game. “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.”

"It is with love and fond memories that we announce Tylee Craft has begun his journey on the other side," the post from the North Carolina football progam read. "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.

"On behalf of his family and our program, we sincerely thank everyone who supported Tylee during his battle with cancer. It means more than you know.

"With love and affection, #TyleeStrongForever"

The game was Cancer Awareness Day at the stadium and the Tar Heels recognized Craft and his family during the game.  Wide receiver J.J. Jones wore Craft's jersey with his No. 13 and name in the matchup against Georgia Tech. Brown said he did not learn of Craft’s passing until after the game, but could tell from a long hug with his mother, September Craft, during the ceremony that something had already happened, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.

“I think the family feels the love and they’ll continue to feel the love,” Brown said. “What we’ve got to do is be strong, and pray for strength for us as leaders, to help these guys on the field and off the field. … So more than ever before I have got to step up and be stronger for them and make sure that I can help them manage the stuff and move forward in their lives.”

Craft was a standout receiver at Sumter High, earning a trip to the Shine Bowl of the Carolinas as a senior before heading up to Chapel Hill to play for the Tar Heels. He was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer on March 14, 2022, but inspired the world with his positivity despite his situation. He received the Disney Spirit Award in December of 2022.
“I’ve learned to keep fighting, to never give up, to keep swinging, that there’s always someone in your corner,” Craft said over video call on the ESPN broadcast. “If they’re not, just believe that I am, as well. That’s the main thing is keep swinging and keep fighting. Have fun and be positive in everything that I do.”
The cancer spread to his brain and spine in 2023, but Tylee kept fighting. He remained a student at UNC and graduated this spring. He was in the process of obtaining his graduate degree with the goal of becoming an NFL scout before he passed. He was awarded his Master's this week by the university. Craft formally medically retired from football in July of 2024.