Earlier today it was revealed that 8-year old Lacey Holsworth had passed away after losing her battle with neuroblastoma, and many of the people whose lives she was able to touch readily came forward to celebrate the time they spent with her. Better known to fans of the Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball team as Princess Lacey, the young girl eventually became a household name during the 2014 NCAA Tournament because of the endless, wonderful coverage of her special friendship with MSU senior Adreian Payne.
Just as Tom Izzo spoke well of Lacey this morning, Payne eventually released his own statement through the program, and his words are about as touching and beautiful as expected.
“Words can’t express how much I already miss Lacey. She is my sister, and will always be a part of my life. She taught me how to fight through everything with a smile on my face even when things were going wrong. I’m a better man because of her. She said she first liked me because of my smile, but it’s her smile that made America fall in love with her. I know she’s smiling and dancing in heaven right now. My princess is now an angel.”
Here’s one of the national news clips about how Payne ended up becoming so close with Princess Lacey. Congrats in advance to the NBA team that drafts this guy. He’s a very special person.
