Football

Purdue superfan Tyler Trent dies at the age of 20

By Jason Romano Jan 2, 2019
(Photo Courtesy: Tony Trent)

Tyler Trent, the Purdue student and superfan who inspired so many in his battle with cancer, died Tuesday night at the age of 20.

In 2014, Trent was diagnosed with bone cancer in high school when his arm snapped while playing ultimate Frisbee. He had his right arm removed from elbow to shoulder, and replaced with titanium. In April 2017, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, and after undergoing a 10-hour surgery in August 2017, he was able to start classes in his first year of college at Purdue.

As he’s continued his courageous battle, the past few months have brought Trent’s story into the national spotlight after ESPN produced a feature on him in October. Almost immediately after that feature aired, Trent’s story became one that nearly every sports fan in the country followed. Numerous celebrities and sports personalities tweeted and sent notes of encouragement to Trent, and many even visited at his home in Indiana. And through it all, the 20-year-old Purdue student never wavered in his faith.

In November, we spoke to Trent on the Sports Spectrum Podcast about his faith and how it helped fuel him during his battle with cancer.

“It’s my everything. It’s the cornerstone,” he said. “Every morning, I make sure to get in the Word. My faith is what keeps me going honestly. I don’t think I would be able to smile or have the happy face that people have seen on TV without my faith. Whether I wake up tomorrow or not, I know where I’m going to end up and having that comfort and that peace is huge. I really don’t know how anyone is able to fight a terminal illness without faith, honestly.”

Just last week, in what would be one of his final wishes, Trent made an announcement on Twitter that he was releasing a book titled “The Upset.” His goal is to raise $1 million for cancer research through the purchase of this book.

You can pre-order the book now at his website: TylerTrentBook.com.

Join us in praying for the Trent family as they mourn the loss of their son.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

RELATED STORIES:
— NEW PODCAST: Tyler Trent, Purdue Super Fan
— Purdue student Tyler Trent gives glory to God as he battles terminal bone cancer
— Bobblehead of Purdue’s Tyler Trent will raise money for charity, cancer research

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