Dick Vitale. Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. Purdue President Mitch Daniels. ESPN. Scott Van Pelt. Matt Overton of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Chicago Cubs. The Indianapolis Colts. The Indiana Pacers. IU Football Coach Tom Allen. These are just a few of the people, public officials, and organizations that sent out condolences after learning that Purdue Alum Tyler Trent had died at the age of 20.
Within the hour of the news of Tyler’s death, he and the hashtag #TylerStrong were trending on Twitter nationwide. People who had never heard his name saw his smile in their newsfeeds and likely clicked thru to find out who this young man was. And that’s Tyler’s legacy. He devoted his days, and especially his final days, to raising awareness (and money) for cancer research so that future generations will not have to endure what he did. Upwards of 50 million people (and probably more) have now been reached by the name Tyler Trent. If even 10% click thru to read about Tyler and learn more, that’s 5 million more people learning about osteosarcoma and the need to fund research. Quite the legacy and impact for a young man who was only given 20 years to make his mark. We’d say that’s a mission accomplished.
Below are just a handful of our favorite tweets remembering and honoring Tyler. You might want the kleenex close by.
.@theTylerTrent was among the biggest, strongest & wisest people you could ever meet. He reminded us what being good is all about. I’m convinced Tyler was touched by our Lord & guided home every step of the way. Janet & I send our love to the Trent family & remain here for them.
— Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) January 2, 2019
Heaven has another great Boilermaker tonight. Thank you, Tyler, for all you taught us and the inspiration you left us.
— Mitch Daniels (@purduemitch) January 2, 2019
Rest In Peace to our team captain and our hero! God has put Tyler on his team!! His courage, strength and spirit touched a nation and inspired us all!! We love you Tyler! #TylerStrong 🙏 pic.twitter.com/YpRisGlM8D
— Jeff Brohm (@JeffBrohm) January 2, 2019
#TylerStrong 🙌 🙏 🚂 pic.twitter.com/ayBcmX4OH1
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) January 2, 2019
RIP @theTylerTrent. Your fight, determination and inspiration to so many will not be forgotten.
Your impact will continue for many years. #TylerStrong
— Purdue’s Matt Painter (@CoachPainter) January 2, 2019
I promised Tyler Trent we’d save him a chair on our set. We’ll honor that promise at the close of the show tonight.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) January 2, 2019
Rest In Peace to my friend, my captain, my brother, my hero. You inspired us all by the way you lived. I love you, and I can’t wait to see you again. Forever #TylerStrong. pic.twitter.com/pAJAdtL6v8
— David Blough (@david_blough10) January 2, 2019
Rest peacefully, Tyler Trent.
Thank you for being courageous in your fight and an inspiration to us all. https://t.co/m51ie2TpDu
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 2, 2019
We’ll forever be inspired by you, @theTylerTrent.
Rest In Peace. #TylerStrong pic.twitter.com/UMiFFMnXBp
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 2, 2019
We offer our sincere condolences to the family of @theTylerTrent. The courage in which he lived his life was an inspiration to all of us. His legacy will live on. #TYLERSTRONG pic.twitter.com/9ql9HzCVJd
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 2, 2019
Purdue superfan Tyler Trent has died after a long battle with a rare form of bone cancer.
This is his inspirational story. pic.twitter.com/ttneNtiy2V
— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2019
So sad to learn of the passing of such a courageous young guy 20 yr old TYLER TRENT / has inspired many & was MR PURDUE / he was loved by the Boiler family / @TheVFoundation has a grant in his name /u can donate @ https://t.co/X9wDoqkbeO https://t.co/KN9eDiJHmS
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 2, 2019
On behalf of @IndianaFootball, our thoughts and prayers are with Tyler Trent’s family. Tyler showed all of us the true essence of courage and fight. #LEO pic.twitter.com/nJkqrJ2XOp
— Coach Tom Allen (@CoachAllenIU) January 2, 2019
Tyler Trent courageously left this world a greater place. He made us all better & his testimony gives hope to many who never even got to meet him. Words can’t begin to describe the amount of strength & faith he displayed. God Bless you Tyler, love you brother!
1 Thess 5:16-18 🙏— Matt Overton (@MattOverton_LS) January 2, 2019
