Clemson National Champion Running Back C.J. Fuller Dead At 22

Mike Comer/Getty Images

Former Clemson Tigers running back has died at the age of 22, the school confirmed Wednesday night.

Fuller, a member of Clemson’s 2016 national title team, died at Greenville Memorial Hospital after being transported from a family member’s house. The coroner said she will not release the cause of death until an autopsy is completed, which could take 6-8 weeks, Yahoo Sports reports.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney released a statement  after the tragic news broke:

“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with C.J.’s family,” Swinney said. “I’ve known C.J. for a long time and watched him grow up through the Easley rec leagues all the way through Easley High School. I’m proud of what he accomplished as a Clemson Tiger, most of all, his accomplishment of being a Clemson graduate. Our deepest condolences and the thoughts of our program are with his family this evening. May he rest in peace.”

Fuller amassed 599 rushing yards and 155 receiving yards while scoring six touchdowns during his three-year Clemson career.

He made a few crucial plays to propel Clemson to a national title over Alabama in 2016 but dropped in the depth chart the following year. In February, Fuller announced plans to transfer schools, but in March was arrested for allegedly robbing someone at gunpoint after allegedly forcing his way into a person’s apartment in Clemson.

Upon hearing the news, former teammate and current Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson took to Instagram to express his sadness.

As the news travels, others from the sports world have also taken to social media to offer their thoughts and condolences.

https://twitter.com/OHYEAH_BIG12/status/1047640128024453125

We’ll keep you updated with any new information that comes to light.
[h/t ESPN]