Lauren Hill, College Basketball Player, Dies of Cancer at Age 19

Lauren Hill, whose inspirational journey to play college basketball while battling brain cancer captured the hearts of millions of people around the world, reportedly died on Friday morning. She was 19.

Brad Johansen of WKRC in Cincinnati reported the saddening news. He also passed along previous comments from Hill. In typical fashion, she was more worried about others despite her struggle.

"When I leave that's fine. I'm not scared. I'm scared for everybody else, like my family and how they'll handle it. And it will be fine," she said.

Layup 4 Lauren, the charity dedicated to help raise funds and awareness for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), confirmed that she had died:

NCAA president Mark Emmert released a statement on the news:

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Lauren Hill's bravery, enthusiasm and strength were an inspiration not only to those who knew her best but also to the millions of people she touched around the world by sharing her story. Lauren achieved a lasting and meaningful legacy, and her beautiful spirit will continue to live on. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, teammates and coaches.

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Mount St. Joseph school president Tony Aretz released a statement on the news:

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We are forever grateful to have had Lauren grace our campus with her smile and determined spirit. She has left a powerful legacy. She taught us that every day is a blessing; every moment a gift.

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The WNBA also extended its support:

LeBron James took to Twitter to pay tribute to Hill:

Legendary women's basketball coach Pat Summitt offered her condolences:

Hill's college teammate Brilyn Webb added her thoughts as well:

Hill made headlines late last year. The NCAA allowed Mount St. Joseph University, a Division III program, to move up the start of its season to ensure she could fulfill her dream. On Nov. 2, she accomplished her goal.

"It's a dream come true," she said, per The Associated Press. "To play on a college court, to put my foot down on the floor and hear the roar of the crowd—I just love it so much. I love basketball."

Alyssa Roenigk of ESPNW noted at the time that the beloved freshman played 47 seconds that day, but she remained in the spotlight in the months that followed.

Her goal was to bring more attention to DIPG, and she accomplished it; her efforts have raised more than $1.5 million for research and treatment.