Lacey Holsworth Dies; MSU's Adreian Payne Mourns Loss, Says 8-Year-old Friend is 'Dancing in Heaven'
Michigan state star forward Adreian Payne expressed his grief on Wednesday following the death of Lacey Holsworth, an 8-year-old cancer patient widely known as "Princess Lacey."
The college basketball star met Lacey two years ago during a hospital visit after she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a fetal-nerve cell cancer. Their unlikely bond led to Lacey becoming once of Payne's biggest supporters and their friendship captured the nation.
The 6-foot-10 Payne carried Lacey around the court during senior night at the Breslin Center in East Lansing and she helped the team cut down the nets after the Spartans won the Big Ten tournament title.
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"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," Payne said in a statement obtained by ABC News.
"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," he added.
Lacey's father, Matt Holsworth, said Lacey died late Tuesday at their St. Johns, Michigan, home "with her mommy and daddy holding her in their arms."
"Princess Lacey has achieved the ultimate victory," reads a post from her official Twitter account. "She now dances among angels."
Back pain while dancing in 2011 led to the discovery of a large tumor that had engulfed Lacey's kidney.
A second tumor wrapped around her spine causing her to lose all feeling below her belly button and leaving her unable to walk for several months.
She became a staple at Payne's games and wore a long blonde wig because chemotherapy caused her to lose her hair.
Just last week Lacey was with Payne in Dallas to cheer him on at the Final Four where he finished third in the slam dunk contest.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Holsworth family today," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said in a statement. "Princess Lacey has taught us all an incredible lesson about love, strength and toughness. We can all learn from her on how to handle adversity with class and dignity."
