Former LSU, Louisiana Tech Wide Receiver Devonta Lee Dies at 26 After Battling Cancer
Former LSU and Louisiana Tech wide receiver Devonta Lee has died, the schools confirmed with tribute posts Thursday. He was 26 years old. Lee’s mother, Lacresia Brown, confirmed to local television that he had been battling cancer.
Devonta Lee: Career Timeline and College Highlights
Lee was a member of the 2019 LSU team that won the national championship. Despite competing in a wide receiver room that included Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase, Lee still saw the field during his first season with the program. As a true freshman he logged 27 offensive snaps and 81 special teams snaps, including five special teams plays in the national championship against Clemson.
Lee caught his first two college passes for a combined 27 yards in 2019. In 2021 he recorded nine receptions for 85 yards and his only collegiate touchdown. After his time at LSU, Lee returned to the gridiron and played for Louisiana Tech during the 2024 season.
Battling Cancer: Osteosarcoma and the Return to Play
Lee had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in 2022. He later returned to play college football and appeared for Louisiana Tech in 2024. His mother, Lacresia Brown, described him as a fighter who loved everybody, called him a good kid who would do anything for anybody, and emphasized that he loved football and gave his all in everything he did.
High School Success and Recruiting Profile
Before college, Lee attended Amite High School in Louisiana. As a senior he scored 22 touchdowns and helped his team win a state title. That season he caught 42 passes and also contributed on defense with seven interceptions. An industry recruiting ranking placed him as the No. 152 overall recruit in the 2019 class and he entered college as a four-star prospect.
Reactions and Tributes from Teams and Teammates
Both LSU and Louisiana Tech issued tribute posts Thursday mourning Lee’s passing. LSU’s football program expressed sorrow and extended condolences to his family, friends and teammates. Louisiana Tech’s football program said it was deeply saddened to learn of Lee’s passing, extended thoughts to his family and peers, and said he will always be remembered as a member of the Bulldog family.
Former teammate Ja'Marr Chase posted a social media story that included a group photo in which he and Lee stood next to each other. The post read "RIP D. Lee, " followed by a prayer emoji.
What This Means and What Comes Next
The football communities connected to Lee—from his high school in Amite to his collegiate stops—are publicly mourning his death and honoring his determination on and off the field. Details beyond the confirmations and family statements are unclear in the provided context. More information may emerge as family and team communications continue.
