

On the school’s website, SDSU’s director of athletics John David Wicker wrote, “We are saddened to hear about the passing of Ronnie Hillman. “Gone way too soon,” it reads alongside an image of Hillman. San Diego State University (SDSU), Hillman’s alma mater, posted a tribute on their football team’s official Twitter. It was not immediately clear whether Hillman himself had SCT.

Renal medullary carcinoma is a highly aggressive cancer that primarily affects people with sickle cell trait (SCT). “Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends.” The post from his family reads, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother & father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr. Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris, known for 'Immaculate Reception,' dead at age 72 (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck, File) Harry Cabluck/AP 21, 2022, at age 72, just two days before the 50th anniversary of The Immaculate Reception.

FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers' Franco Harris (32) eludes a tackle by Oakland Raiders' Jimmy Warren as he runs 42-yards for a touchdown after catching a deflected pass during an AFC Divisional NFL football playoff game in Pittsburgh on Dec.
