One of the biggest sports fans in the history of Purdue University died of bone cancer Tuesday evening.
Tyler Trent, who had been fighting a long battle with osteosarcoma and was considered a good luck charm on the sidelines of countless Purdue football games, passed away, according to one of his family members on Instagram.
Absolutely devastating news.. According to @theTylerTrent brothers Instagram page, Tyler has passed away. I was able to talk with Tyler a few times while at WLFI and he was an amazing person in every single aspect of life. Thank you for all you did for cancer research. Prayers
— Cameron Hardin (@WeatherManCam_) January 2, 2019
The Purdue Cancer Center confirmed the news of his passing.
It’s with the deepest sorrow that we have to say goodbye to @theTylerTrent. We have all become #TylerStrong. To his family, words can’t express how sorry we are that he has passed. His life May have been short, but his legacy with be forever. pic.twitter.com/rONp00YoeK
— Purdue Cancer Center (@PUCancerCenter) January 2, 2019
Trent’s popularity caught on throughout the nation after he predicted his alma mater’s win against Ohio State in October. He’d been interviewed by countless national outlets and even received a phone call of well wishes from fellow Indiana native, Vice President Mike Pence. (RELATED: Woody Harrelson Reveals He ‘Quite Liked’ Mike Pence In College)
And while Trent ultimately lost the battle to his rare form of bone cancer, his legacy lives on forever.
“First and foremost, we offer our condolences to Tyler’s family and friends. While there are no words to ease the hurt at times like this, we hope some comfort can be found in knowing what an inspiration Tyler is to our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans,” a statement from Purdue Athletics reads on Twitter, adding in another tweet, “We will forever be #TylerStrong.”
First and foremost, we offer our condolences to Tyler’s family and friends. While there are no words to ease the hurt at times like this, we hope some comfort can be found in knowing what an inspiration Tyler is to our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans.
— Purdue Athletics (@PurdueSports) January 2, 2019
The entire Purdue Athletics family has been touched by his courageous battle, positive spirit and unwavering faith. Tyler was the embodiment of a true Boilermaker who will live on in each of us. We will forever be #TylerStrong
— Purdue Athletics (@PurdueSports) January 2, 2019
You can pre-order a copy of Tyler Trent’s book, “The Upset,” here.