Sports
/ CBS Detroit
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT- Ever since Adreian Payne met Lacey Holsworth in a hospital room two years ago, the Michigan State basketball star and the little girl fighting cancer had been fast friends, and Holsworth's courage inspired not just Payne but the entire Spartans team, including head coach Tom Izzo.
Holsworth's parents announced Wednesday morning that Lacey passed away, at her family's home in St. Johns, Mich., with her mother and father holding her.
Prayers for her family, thanks for the inspiration she provided andtestimonies of how she impacted lives have flooded Twitter since the news broke. Current and former Michigan State athletes have led the conversation.
For Branden Dawson, 144 characters would not be enough to express his feelings about the young girl.
"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same," Dawson wrote on Instagram. "Words cannot explain how much pain we're all in. Lacey is a strong, dedicated, and driven little girl who inspired and touched many lives even my son's life. Lacey put a smile on all of our faces and we're gonna miss her a lot. She was special to our team and we're all gonna miss you Lacey! My heart goes to Lacey's family, our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you."
Gary Harris, Kenny Kaminski joined in, and so did former Michigan State basketball stars Mateen Cleaves and Draymond Green.
Can't believe this has happened. @adorablelacey 's family will be in my families and my prayers. Remember God always has a plan #RIPLacy
— Kenny Kaminski (@KennyKaminski) April 9, 2014
Just found out @adorablelacey lost her battle with cancer sad sad day.
— Mateen Cleaves (@Mateen_Cleaves) April 9, 2014
Just woke up to awful news... @adorablelacey was an inspiration to to us all! My prayers are with her family #RIPLACEY ????????????
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) April 9, 2014
Darqueze Dennard of the Michigan State football team also took to Twitter to talk about Lacey, as did many prominent media figures, including Dick Vitale, Jay Bilas, Jason King and Gregg Doyel.
Woke up to some bad news.. R.I.P. to Princess Lacey.. A beautiful young girl wit a big heart, who inspire us all !!
— Darqueze Dennard (@Queze) April 9, 2014
Jus be thankful for all the little things, we worry and complain about nothing all the time! Lets change that.. Be a giver !!! #BeGrateful
— Darqueze Dennard (@Queze) April 9, 2014
Just crushed & devastated as I was talking to Matt @AdorableLacey Dad about his #ANGELLACEY May she RIP pic.twitter.com/VbzoeNPdHH
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) April 9, 2014
Webster should define COURAGE with a pic @AdorableLacey We WILL NOT let her pass in vain ! RIP #ANGELLACEY http://t.co/z2pxlu3eZD
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) April 9, 2014
An angel @AdorableLacey heart out to Heather & Matt Pls RIP #ANGELLACEY pic.twitter.com/hx1dApnOKp
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) April 9, 2014
RIP Lacey Holsworth. A beautiful soul, whose strength and courage touched and inspired us all. Heartbreaking.
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) April 9, 2014
Never been involved with a story - as a reporter or a reader - that touched my soul like the one involving @Adreian_Payne & @adorablelacey
— Jason King (@JasonKingBR) April 9, 2014
Just exchanged texts with Matt Holsworth, the father of @adorablelacey . His message: "Don't let her love and smile fade."
— Jason King (@JasonKingBR) April 9, 2014
Condolences to @adorablelacey's family and to her best friend @Adreian_Payne. RIP, little girl - http://t.co/PKM72Zj0UN
— Gregg Doyel (@GreggDoyelStar) April 9, 2014
Even former NFL star Jerry Rice expressed his sympathy at the young girl's passing, and Michigan basketball sent condolences as well.
RIP Lacey RT @LoryAnkiel: Such a great story of friendship. #RIPLacey http://t.co/T96glUnwxY pic.twitter.com/iWnuaQkTPr
— Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) April 9, 2014
We're deeply saddened to hear the news of @adorablelacey's passing. Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this time.
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) April 9, 2014
Lacey watched the Spartans play in the NCAA tournament this year, and she happily accompanied Payne to various events, from Senior Night to a dunk contest to the team's banquet.
At that banquet, Izzo made a speech, the video of which is embedded below, and Izzo had Lacey beside him throughout it. He spoke about her impact on the Spartans, and it is not a video to watch at work if one does not want to cry in front of colleagues.
#LoveLikeLaceywas trending on Twitter late Tuesday morning.
- In:
- Tom Izzo
