Tyronee "Tiger" Bussey, a Colorado linebacker who remained committed to his team even when he was confined to a hospital bed, died at a Detroit hospital Friday after a lengthy battle with leukemia. He was 20.
Bussey was diagnosed with leukemia shortly after signing with Colorado as a member of the Buffaloes' 1994 recruiting class. He fought to send the disease into remission, and the battle followed him on and off the field."He was a wonderful, wonderful person," Colorado head coach Rick Neuheisel said. "It's just a shame. He was a fighter, someone we all should admire and learn from. He truly loved life, and he never gave up the battle. The support he got from his family was tremendous, and all our hearts go out to them."
Bussey's parents, Tyronee and Mildred, have not finalized funeral arrangements.