CJ Fuller, Ex-Clemson Football Star, Dead At 22, Social Media Mourns Death

Former Clemson Tigers running back C.J. Fuller died Wednesday as confirmed by an Easley High School athletic director. He was 22.

No details surrounding the death have been revealed as of yet, though an autopsy is scheduled for Thursday. The Pickens County Coroner’s Office in South Carolina does not expect details to be announced for another six to eight weeks.

Fuller played 43 games for Clemson from 2015 to 2017, according to ESPN, recording 599 yards and four touchdowns on 147 carries during his college career.

The Easley High School graduate was also part of the Tigers team that won the 2016 national championship. He notably scored a 30-yard touchdown in the semifinals as well as returning three kicks in the championship winning game over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with C.J.’s family,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney released in a statement. “I’ve known C.J. a long time and watched him grow up through the Easley rec leagues all the way through Easley High School."

"I’m proud of what he accomplished as a Clemson Tiger, most of all, his accomplishment of being a Clemson graduate. Our deepest condolences and the thoughts of our program are with his family this evening. May he rest in peace,” Swinney added.

Fuller was to graduate from Clemson in May and announced in February that he would transfer to another school for his final season of eligibility.

However, he was arrested along with another former Clemson player Jadar Johnson and former Duke defensive lineman Quaven Ferguson in March on charges of armed robbery and possession of a weapon. The case has not gone to trial yet.

News of his death spread quickly as many on social media, such as his teammates and fellow alumni, mourned his death while others paid tribute to his ability and how he was striving to change his life.