Devonta Lee, former LSU and Louisiana Tech wide receiver, dies at 26
devonta lee, the former LSU and Louisiana Tech wide receiver, has died at 26, the schools confirmed with tribute posts Thursday.
LSU and LA Tech post tributes
LSU Football posted a message mourning the loss of the former Tiger, and LA Tech football wrote on X, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Devonta Lee. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time. He will always be remembered as a member of the Bulldog family. " Both schools published their messages Thursday.
Family confirmation and a mother’s words
Lee’s mother, Lacresia Brown, confirmed to KTVE that he was battling cancer and said, "He was a fighter, and he loved everybody. [Devonta] was a good kid [and would] do anything for anybody. He loved football, [and] he gave his all in anything he did. " Brown’s comments were made public on Thursday.
Devonta Lee’s college journey
Before joining Louisiana Tech, Lee played at LSU and was part of the 2019 LSU team that won the national championship. In 2019 he found himself in a wide receiver room with Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase but still saw the field in his first season with the program.
Playing time, rankings and college stats
Rivals listed Lee as a four-star prospect and the No. 152 overall recruit in the 2019 class. Pro Football Focus recorded that he played 27 offensive snaps and 81 special teams snaps as a true freshman, including five special teams snaps in the national championship against Clemson. Lee caught his first two college passes for 27 yards in 2019; in 2021 he hauled in nine passes for 85 yards and his only collegiate score.
Osteosarcoma, comeback and the 2024 season
The Advocate noted that Lee dealt with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in 2022 before returning to the gridiron and playing for LA Tech during the 2024 season.
High school standout in Louisiana
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 recorded seven interceptions.
Teammates and former stars react
Ja'Marr Chase posted an Instagram story Thursday that included a group photo of him and Lee and wrote, "RIP D. Lee, " followed by a prayer emoji. Friends, former teammates and both programs posted their condolences on social platforms on Thursday, remembering his time as a Tiger and a Bulldog.
He was 26 years old, The Advocate listed. Schools said crews and teammates will continue with memorials and internal remembrances; specifics about services were unclear in the provided context.
The next confirmed public milestone is the continuation of tributes from LSU and LA Tech and any statements the family chooses to share; both schools have asked for privacy for his family while they mourn.
