Former LSU, La Tech wide receiver Devonta Lee dies
devonta lee, a former LSU and Louisiana Tech wide receiver who inspired many with his battle against bone cancer, has died, Louisiana Tech Football announced Tuesday morning. His fight against osteosarcoma and his role on LSU’s 2019 national championship roster made his passing widely noted across college football circles.
Devonta Lee's college journey and statistics
Lee, a native of Fluker, Louisiana, was a four-star recruit out of Amite High School and helped the Warriors win the 2018 2A Louisiana State Championship. He formed a dynamic receiving tandem in high school with DeVonta Smith and signed with LSU, where he was part of the Tigers’ 2019 national championship team. As a freshman, Lee played in 13 games, catching two passes for 27 yards and contributing on special teams. After three seasons in Baton Rouge, he transferred to Louisiana Tech in 2022 and finished his college career with 13 receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown across stops at LSU and Louisiana Tech.
Cancer battle and recovery
Months after joining Louisiana Tech, Lee began experiencing severe back pain during workouts and was later diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. His treatment included two surgeries, 10 weeks of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation. After roughly a year of treatment, he rang the bell signifying he was cancer-free. Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie described him as having "a fighter’s spirit, " saying, "He fights. He’s beaten extreme odds before, this would not surprise me one bit. "
Community reaction and what comes next
Messages from teammates, coaches and fans followed the announcement; LSU’s program also shared condolences noting the loss of a former Tiger who played in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. At Amite High, Lee’s mother recalled that football had been his life and that he trained constantly, going to the gym seven days a week. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
The immediate next confirmed item is that funeral arrangements remain pending; officials have not released details on memorial services or burial logistics.
