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'A beautiful angel': Clemson football star Bryan Bresee pens heartfelt tribute for sister, 15, who died of cancer

Bresee paid a touching tribute to his sister, saying she was the 'best sister a brother could ask for' who made so many people happy

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA: A star football player at Clemson University took to social media to reveal his sister, 15, has died of brain cancer. Bryan Bresee, a defensive tackle for the Tigers, said his sister Bella died after months-long battle with the illness. Bresee wrote a touching tribute to his sister, saying she was a "beautiful angel" who made so many people happy.

"My beautiful sister Ella you amazed me every single day with the fight that you put up and how joyful you were constantly through this battle. Never did I think I would be sitting here today saying bye to you. I want to thank you for bringing happiness to not only me but so many people. You are the best sister a brother could ask for and I know for a fact heaven has gained a beautiful angel today, Love you forever and always Ella bear," Bresee wrote on Instagram, sharing a series of pictures.

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Ella was diagnosed with the illness in early 2021. The teenager, along with the rest of the Bresee family, was at South Carolina University for Saturday night's game last week when Ella suddenly became ill. She had to be rushed to a local emergency room, Sports Illustrated reported. She was airlifted from there to Washington DC soon after. Bresee joined them after the university won against Furman. He is now expected to sit out of Saturday's game against Louisiana Tech as he mourns his sister.

Head coach Dabo Swinney said after Ella's death that he is not sure when Bresee will be able to return to the sport. He is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. "As I said [Tuesday], there are a lot more important things than football," Swinney said, according to the Daily Mail. "He needs to focus on what he is doing. When he is ready to be back and ready to play, we will be here, but right now, he is where he needs to be," he added.

After Ella's tragic death, Swinney issued a statement saying, "Our prayers continue to be with the entire Bresee family. We are all so appreciative of all the love and support that has been shown by the Clemson family, and so many others during this time. Ella was such a sweet spirit, and her spirit will continue to live on throughout the Bresee family and everyone who had the opportunity to know her. I am stronger today for having experienced Ella's strength and courage."

Clemson Football said in a statement on Twitter, "Ella Bresee will continue to be a source of light and strength for this program and the entire Clemson community. Please join us in sending our love and support to Bryan and the Bresee family. #EllaStrong."