CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Former Alabama linebacker Victor Ellis has died after a battle with cancer.
The 28-year-old Ellis died Tuesday night at Memorial Hospital in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tenn. Former Crimson Tide tailback Ahmaad Galloway said Ellis was surrounded by family and friends.
The death was first reported by the Press-Register in Mobile.
Ellis was diagnosed with cancer after developing a persistent cough last summer. Tumors were found in his lung and kidney and cancerous cells in his chest cavity and elsewhere.
He played in 40 games for the Tide from 1998 through 2001 and was named permanent team captain.
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Comments » 11
BigOrangeInCarolina writes:
Sad thing to have happen. Regardless of where guys play their college ball, they deserve to have a long, healthy life. Our prayers go out to the family of this young man.
HotlantaVol writes:
Proof that you never know how long you have on this earth. Do the best you can with the time you have. No regrets.
Orange_Julius writes:
Very sad story. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
bigbluevol writes:
The article also doesn't mention that the community of Chattanooga, particularly the kids at Red Bank High School (where he played) rallied around and for him. The University of Alabama was very supportive. All accounts are that he was an upstanding guy with a great heart and attitude. This is very sad news.
BornaVolDieaVol writes:
Condolences to the family. Victor was a good one on the field and an even better person off the field. Chattanooga will miss this guy.
bigbluevol writes:
marc, I never met him either, but I know a family that was very close to him. It sounds like he was a very special person and it's just a sad situation.
givehim6 writes:
One of my son-in-laws mom died of cancer in Jan. what I hear she suffered a lot (she lived in AZ.) Cancer is so bad, I'll pray for the family.
chrisw2967 writes:
many prayers for him and his family , very sad
slsmithsr#269458 writes:
My son played basketball against him and his brother. Met him after a tournament game and he was very cordial. We stood around and talked for at least a half and hour. I went away impressed with the both of them.
When I found out about his cancer, I was shocked to hear about the problems he had with his family. Word is there was fault on both sides.
supersteve17 writes:
As a Red Bank fan and Vol fan I was not thrilled when Victor followed his childhood friend, Galloway, to Bama to play. But Vic's amiable spirit made his decision a little easier to take.
He is one of the better players to don the blue and white of Red Bank and he will be sorely missed. He will be inducted into the Red Bank High School hall of fame (not for athletics only) on April 25. I think there are also plans in the works to retire his #9 Red Bank jersey.
Pray for his family and friends. And take a moment to communicate your affection and appreciation to someone you love.
Tenn_Dawg writes:
My prayers and thoughts go out to Victor's family and friends during this very difficult time. Though I have never had the opportunity to meet Victor I have heard many good things about him as a person. I definately enjoyed watching him play at Red Bank. As a Red Bank alum I am glad to hear that they plan on honoring him.
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