MUSKEGON, Mich. — The Muskegon community is mourning the loss of one of its former athletes.
Muskegon High School alum Dametrius Walker has passed away, according to the Big Reds' Facebook page.
“Your fight has and will be the heartbeat of teams to come,” the program writes. “You are forever in our hearts and we will always be MEECHIE STRONG.”
"Just you inspired me; you inspired a lot of people and — you know — live free, run free. Thank you for making me a better man and a better coach," Muskegon Head Football Coach Shane Fairfield told FOX 17.
Dametrius had been battling osteosarcoma for two years.
The University of Michigan paid tribute to Damterius in a tweet Friday:
Our friend. Our brother. Our teammate.
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Dametrius Walker. Meechie was an inspiration to every member of our program and the Michigan family as a whole. He will be missed by so many. pic.twitter.com/jFXEMPFgbp
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) December 9, 2022
Meechie's touchdown in the Big House will be remembered forever. Keep scoring touchdowns in heaven, Meechie! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vEvEJMjjkR
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) December 9, 2022
"I was just happy that a worldwide and a nation could see the smile that we hear in Muskegon I've seen, you know, so that wasn't for that situation. The world wouldn't have been able to or the nation wouldn't have been able to see what we've seen and what we know," Fairfield added.
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