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C.J. Fuller, the former running back for Clemson University, died suddenly on Wednesday, the school confirms. He was 22.
Fuller’s cause of death is not clear at this time.
The Pickens County coroner in South Carolina toldThe Statenewspaper that autopsy results would take six to eight weeks.
“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with C.J.’s family,” Swinney wrote. “I’ve known C.J. a long time and watched him grow up through the Easley rec leagues all the way through Easley High School.”
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“I’m proud of what he accomplished as a Clemson Tiger, most of all, his accomplishment of being a Clemson graduate,” he continued. “Our deepest condolences and the thoughts of our program are with his family this evening. May he rest in peace.”
Prior to his passing, Fuller was not playing football, despite having another year of eligibility after redshirting in his rookie year. According toESPN, the athlete announced in February that he was planning to play elsewhere as a graduate transfer.
In 2016, during the National Championship, Fuller’s speed and agility helped contribute to the game-winning drive against Alabama. The victory became just the second national title Clemson had won, since their first in 1981.
In addition to the football programs, Fuller’s former teammates, coaches, and friends have been speaking out on social media, remembering him for his impact both on and off the field.
Among those tributes was Shaq Lawson, who now plays in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills. Lawson shared several photos of his friend — who he was supposed to see Thursday — and called his sudden death a “nightmare.”
“My brother I am hurting right now,” hewrote on Instagramon Wednesday. “Somebody wake me up from this nightmare. My brother was supposed to come see me tomorrow. I love you bruh until we meet again#274L🐍🙏🏿😔”
Loved ones also turned to Clemson’s local newspaper to remember Fuller and his positive energy.
“Person-wise, a fantastic young man,” Chad Smith, one of his former high school coaches toldThe State. “He had an infectious personality, a smile that would light up a room.”
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“A hard-working young man, a very positive young man,” continued Smith. “The kid never had a frown on his face. Just a great, great kid.”
Added former teammate D.J. Greenlee: “We’re like brothers. We’ve had a bond. Our bond was a lot more than just being at Clemson. It just puts life into perspective… You can be here one day and gone the next.”
source: people.com
