A college basketball superfan has died, reportedly of complications from the coronavirus, after traveling to Indianapolis to attend the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
University of Alabama student and Crimson Tide basketball fanatic Cameron Luke Ratliff passed away on Friday, the program confirmed on Friday night.
Alabama coach Nate Oats and several Tide players marked Ratliff's tragic passing with tribute posts on social media. Ratliff's parents also confirmed the news in media reports, and on social media.
The Tuscaloosa News, citing multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation, reported that Ratliff died of complications from coronavirus.
On Saturday, health officials in Marion County, where Indianapolis is located, announced they were investigating whether anyone had come into contact with Ratliff while he was in town, the Indy Star reported.
Ratliff was hospitalized in Alabama soon after returning home from the tournament on March 29, the outlet said. It was unclear where and when he contracted the virus, and whether he was symptomatic while in Indianapolis.
The 23-year-old Crimson Tide diehard was a fixture at their games during the several years he was enrolled at the school.
He was recognizable for his larger-than-life persona, flashy patterned sports coats, and for frequently leading the student cheering section.
Active on Alabama sports discussion forums, Ratliff went by the handle "Fluffopotamus," which led to him being nicknamed "Fluff" within the program and by fans.