Ray Lewis III, the son of Baltimore Ravens linebacker and Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and a former college football star himself, has passed away.
Details surrounding Ray III’s death have not been released. He was 28-years-old and just celebrated a birthday on June 5. Ray Lewis II hasn’t publicly made a statement of his son’s death yet.
The late athlete’s younger brother, Rahsaan Lewis, shared the news of his siblings death on social media in Instagram story.
“Really can’t believe I’m evening typings this but RIP big brother 🕊 💫,” Rahsaan wrote. “A true angel. I pray you’re at peace now because I know how much you [were] really hurting.”
“I don’t and I won’t ever have the words man, ’cause this pain right here…” he said. “I love you, I love you, I love you 💫 ❤️.”
Rahsaan, a graduate of the University of Kentucky who played on the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team, went on to say that his brother’s niece “[is going to] miss you but she will hear about you over and over.”
“Just watch over us all big bruh. Be our guardian,” he wrote. “I promise, I’ll make you smile and proud. ❤️.”
Ray III is survived by his five siblings, including brother Rashaan, Rayshad Lewis, Ralin Lewis as well as sisters Diaymon Lewis and Kaitlin Lewis — most of whom also shared touching tributes to Ray III on their social media pages Thursday night.
“Brownie, I love [you] with all of my heart,” Diaymon wrote. “You will always be my first love and truly are the definition of a quintessential brother. To the most genuine and talented person I know, go get your rest baby and I’m glad you’re at peace. “Fly high baby.”
Diaymon then shared a photo of her with her brother with a caption stated, “I’m not okay.”
There hasn’t been any announcement of Ray III being sick, however, the last time he posted on Instagram was December 2022.
He also shared a photo of he and his brother back in October 2020 and left a heartwarming message for him, which also seems to suggest that he was leaving.
“I promise you gone know how much I love you before I go.” Ray III put in his caption.
Ray III started his football career as a running back at Lake Mary High School in Florida. He was a star running back, rushing for 1,898 yards and 20 touchdowns, as well as 676 yards and four touchdowns receiving during his senior season.
After graduating in 2013, he followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the Miami Hurricanes at the University of Miami.
Two years later, Lewis transferred to Coastal Carolina University, a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program. His career there came to a halt in 2016 when he was dismissed from the team and the university after being indicted by a South Carolina grand jury on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual assault, the Orlando Sentinel reported. After a lengthy investigation, those charges were dropped by law enforcement.
He went on and finished his college career at the Virginia Union Panthers in 2017, and played indoor football for the Wyoming Mustangs in the 2021-2022 season.
Diego Ryland, Virginia Union associate head coach, told TMZ that Ray III was a “great young man and a better teammate. The entire Virginia Union University community is praying for the family as they deal with the loss of Ray.”
In addition to his football career, Ray Lewis III was also pursuing a career in the music industry and an instrumental part of the Lewis family.
Sending condolences to his loved ones. R.I.P. Ray Lewis III.
