Lacey Holsworth, an 8-year-old Michigan State basketball superfan who won the hearts of the entire college community, passed away from cancer on Wednesday.
In an Instagram post, the Holsworth family notified their thousands of followers and supporters that Lacey died.
"Princess Lacey has achieved the ultimate victory. She now dances among angels.... The world is a better place because you were in it. Our hearts are broken. We love you Doll. Dance all night... Mommy and Daddy, Will, Mitchell and Luke #LoveLikeLacey," the post read.
The little girl, famously known as "Princess Lacey," became the close friend of MSU star athlete Adreian Payne after the team visited her at Lansing's Sparrow Hospital.
At the time, a tumor wrapped around her spine, limiting her ability to walk. Though treatments successfully removed the cancer from her body, it came back in the fall and worsened in recent weeks.
"I'm supposed to be a guy who leads men, and now an 8-year-old has impacted my life like this. ... the impact on all of us will be lasting, and that's especially true for Adreian (Payne)," head coach Tom Izzo told USA TODAY.
A memorial service will be held on campus on April 17, according to the Lansing StateJournal.
Lacey's death inspired a social media storm of support, creating the hash tag #LoveLikeLacey and thousands of posts remembering the young girl who impacted one of the nation's largest colleges.
Dick Vitale, an analyst for ESPN, called Lacey's father and told him he plans to donate $250,000 in her name and began fundraising on his website.
"I can't believe it," Vitale said to USA TODAY, before sobbing for several moments. "This rips my heart out, man."
Dan Schulman, an ESPN reporter who covers men's college basketball, expressed his sympathies on Twitter.
"Deepest sympathies to the Holsworth family on the passing of Lacey. She was courageous young lady with a beautiful spirit. #LoveLikeLacey," he tweeted.
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