Arizona Football

Former Arizona Wildcats Linebacker Sterling Lewis, 32, Passes Away

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.

Sterling Lewis with one of his sons (Lewis family photo)

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 “

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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.

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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.

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