Former college football player Ray Lewis III has sadly passed away at the age of 28.
The death of the young athlete - who was the son of Hall of Fame NFL linebacker Ray Lewis - was announced on Thursday (June 15) in a heartbreaking Instagram story shared by his younger brother, Rahsaan.
Although no details surrounding the circumstances were provided, Rahsaan shared a photo of his brother and wrote: "Really can't believe I'm even typing this but RIP big brother."
"A true angel I pray [you're] at peace now because ik how much you [were] rlly hurtin I don't and won't ever have the words man cuz this pain right here," he continued. "I love you I love you I love you. Your niece gone miss you but she will hear about u over and over just watch over us all big bruh be our guardian I promise I'll make you smile and proud."
Lewis was a star running back at Lake Mary Preparatory School in Florida, rushing for 1,898 yards and 20 touchdowns, as well as 676 yards and four touchdowns receiving during his senior season.
He continued to follow in his father's footsteps - a man who is considered to be the greatest middle linebacker in NFL history - during his college career as he went on to play for the Miami Hurricanes in 2013. He then transferred to Coastal Carolina University in 2015.
However, Lewis' career came to a halt in 2016 when he was kicked off the team and the university after being indicted by a South Carolina grand jury on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual assault. After a lengthy investigation, those charges were dropped by police, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel.
The former footballer then finished off his college career with the Virginia Union Panthers in 2017 and had a brief professional stint with an indoor football team, the Wyoming Mustangs, in 2021, before pursuing a career in the music industry.
His death has sent shockwaves into the local football community as many gather to pay tribute. Virginia Union Associate Head Coach Diego Ryland spoke to TMZ Sports after the tragic news and said: "Great young man and a better teammate. The entire Virginia Union University community is praying for the family as they deal with the loss of Ray."
Mark James, Lewis' coach at Virginia Union, also penned on Facebook: "Two RIP posts for my former players back to back. Young man it was a pleasure to bring you to Virginia Union. Ray Ray May God bless your family. Great young man."
"Ray was a tremendous young man who played with the spirit of a lion," Mark James, Lewis’s coach at VUU, told the Baltimore Sun. "He was a great asset to the Virginia Union family. He will always be a Panther. May God bless his family."
Ray's sister, Diaymon Lewis, also took to her Instagram Story to remember her late brother, saying: "Brownie I love you with all of my heart. You will always be my first love and truly are the definition of a quintessential brother. To the most genuine and talented person I know, go get your rest baby and I'm glad you're at peace. Fly high baby."
The Hall of Famer has not provided a comment regarding his son's passing, and a cause of death has not been disclosed as of yet.
The NFL star has five surviving children, sons Rayshad, Rashaan, Ralin, and two daughters named Diaymon and Kaitlin.
Our thoughts are with Lewis' family, friends, and fans at this time.
