Sterling Lewis, who played linebacker at Arizona in 2008 and 2009 after transferring from junior college, has passed away at age 32 from health complications following a flu and pneumonia.
A GoFundMe drive set up to help Lewis’ family was posted on Feb. 10 after he was put into a medically induced coma with assisted breathing devices.
Former teammate Brooks Reed, a linebacker with the Arizona Cardinals, posted this message on social media about Lewis — nicknamed “Sterlo”:
“Very saddened to hear the passing of a great UofA teammate of mine Sterling Lewis (Sterlo). Nothing but positive memories of him. Great person, great teammate. He played with passion, straight playmaker, a comedian, and very kind person. RIP buddy “
Lewis, who hailed from Copperas Cove, Texas, played in 23 games in his two years with the Wildcats and tallied 98 tackles, including three sacks. He also had an interception as a senior in the epic 44-41 loss in double-overtime to Oregon.
In his first season with Arizona, when the Wildcats went to the Las Vegas Bowl and beat BYU, Lewis had double-digit tackle games against Stanford (12) and USC (10). He had a sack against the Trojans.
Lewis is survived by his wife Ashley and two sons.