Lacey Holsworth, the young Michigan State basketball fan who struck up an unlikely friendship with center Adreian Payne, passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Lacey Holsworth, beloved fan and friend to MSU superstar Adreian Payne, died early Wednesday morning, her parents said. "Princess Lacey" had fought a rare form of childhood cancer for three years. She was eight-years-old.
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Michigan State forward Adreian Payne hoists the net with Lacey Holsworth after Michigan State defeated Michigan 69-55 in the championship of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis on March 16, 2014.
The Associated Press
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.
The Holsworth family posted a statement on Twitter and Instagram:
Princess Lacey has achieved the ultimate victory. She now dances among angels.... The world is a better place because you were in it. Our hearts are broken. We love you Doll. Dance all night... Mommy and Daddy, Will, Mitchell, and Luke #LoveLikeLacey.