Vanderbilt Sophomore Tight End loses his battle with cancer
Vanderbilt tight end Turner Cockrell died on Thursday after a year-long battle with melanoma, the school announced. A Sophomore tight end was expected to get reps to help out the offense this year, but was not able to get on the field due to his sickness.
Cockrell, 21, died at his home in Acworth, Georgia, surrounded by his family, per Vandy Officials. No funeral arrangements have been determined.
Vanderbilt players were told of Cockrell’s death in a special team meeting around 5:30 p.m. Coach Derek Mason, who was out of town on a recruiting trip, told the players via live video.
Cockrell was diagnosed with melanoma in his lymph nodes in November 2017. He had surgery in December to remove the cancerous lymph nodes and underwent radiation treatments for 20 weeks. In July, a body scan revealed that the cancer had spread to Cockrell’s lungs.
We ask that you please keep the Vandy family in your prayers, especially the Cockrell family.
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