Nash passes away during battle with leukemia
Central Michigan University running back Derrick Nash has passed away today during his battle with leukemia.
Head Football Coach John Bonamego tweeted the news, along with many others using the hashtags #NashStrong and #ForeverNashStrong.
"I promise that you will never be forgotten D. Nash," he said. "We love you."
Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2013, two weeks before his high school graduation, Nash had been at the University of Michigan Health System hospital throughout the last month.
Director of Athletics Dave Heeke spoke for CMU Athletics in an official statement.
"This is a very difficult loss for our football program and entire Chippewa Athletic Program," Heeke said. "Derrick was an inspiration to us all and the fight he showed will never be forgotten. The incredible courage he exhibited in never allowing this terrible disease to dampen his positive outlook on life is a tremendous representation of the type of man he was."
Nash served as the running back at Carrollton High School and moved on to Division I athletics when he earned a scholarship from CMU. Following his diagnosis in 2013, Nash was forced to watch the Chippewas from the sidelines.
He underwent treatment in Ann Arbor, then was found to be in remission. As a freshman on the football team, he had to sit out. Nash returned in 2014, competing in the spring football game. Doctors then found his cancer had returned, and he was sent back to the bench while undergoing treatment. Nash was able to serve as honorary captain for the Chippewas while attending the Popeye's Bahamas Bowl in 2014.
Funeral arrangements are still pending at this time. A GoFundMe has been set up in Nash's name.
