A Carrollton High School football player has died of cancer two months after he was admitted to the intensive care unit, officials said.
Chase McDaniel, 17, died Saturday night, Carrollton High School’s athletic department said on social media.
“Chase touched so many people in our community with his spirit and strength,” the athletic department said. “Our hearts are with the McDaniel family today and in the days ahead.”
Credit: Trojan Athletics via Facebook
Credit: Trojan Athletics via Facebook
McDaniel had been in the ICU at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston since Sept. 17, AJC.com previously reported.
The teen was first diagnosed with Stage 3 lymphoma in April. However, that didn’t stop the then 16-year-old McDaniel from taking his date to the school prom the same day.
He said he didn’t want to disappoint her.
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That act of goodwill garnered him statewide attention, including gifts and meetings from elite athletes.
Retired NBA star Dwayne Wade sent the student a care package and a message, saying “My belief is stronger than your doubt.”
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In September, the high school linebacker met Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, Channel 2 Action News reported.
It was at that dinner that he began feeling ill, his mother Kiki McDaniel told the news station.
Kiki McDaniel previously said the Carrollton High football team rallied around McDaniel as he was undergoing chemotherapy.
“It’s been really amazing to watch the way our entire Carrollton Trojan nation has just been there for us and our family,” Kiki said. “It’s been amazing.”
The team named Chase a “co-captain,” and he was able to take part in ceremonial coin tosses early in the season. Each game, a teammate wore a jersey sporting his number (42), and the team’s motto for the season was: “We do it for Chase.”
His classmates also voted him co-homecoming king.
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