Alabama is mourning the loss of superfan Luke Ratliff who passed away on Friday night at the age of 23 after complications from COVID-19.
Alabama superfan Luke Ratliff has passed away.
Affectionately known as “Fluffopotomas,” Ratliff was one of the most visible and most vocal Alabama basketball fans in recent years. He could be seen setting up in the student section at Coleman Coliseum well before games began and was among the last to leave. Ratliff was proud to say he attended 33 of the last 45 Alabama basketball games, including the last 42 in a row.
Sadly, the Alabama senior passed away on Friday night after experiencing complications from COVID-19. He was 23 years old.
Ratliff had a close relationship with Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats who gave Ratliff a plaid jacket similar to the one he’d sport on the sidelines and Crimson Tide bench. He wore it with pride.
Oats and several Alabama basketball players, coaches, fans and media were among those to offer their condolences and offer their thoughts and prayers to the Ratliff family after the news of his passing became known.
Alabama coaches and players pay tribute to late superfan Luke Ratliff
Devastating news. Doesn’t seem real. Fluff has been our biggest supporter since day one. Put all he had into our program. Loved sharing this ride with him. You’ll be missed dearly my man! Wish we had one more victory cigar and hug together. Roll Tide Forever.@fluffopotamus88 pic.twitter.com/1igys6NdHh
— Nate Oats (@nate_oats) April 3, 2021
RIP Fluff !!! Praying for your family bro 😭!! pic.twitter.com/IX2F7ekrNQ
— Herbert Jones (@_hoopinglife) April 3, 2021
Devastated. You’ll be missed, Fluff. We love you 🙏🏽🖤
— Alex Reese (@alexxreese18) April 3, 2021
— Alabama Athletics (@UA_Athletics) April 3, 2021
Rest In Peace Luke. Thank You for being one of Alabama’s number one supporters! You will be missed 🙏🏽❤️🕊 #RollTideForever pic.twitter.com/RPx0gIrZyL
— Collin 'Young Bull' Sexton (@CollinSexton02) April 3, 2021
This conference is made special by its fans. They are the energy behind the players and programs that just mean more. Fluff’s magnetic personality drew us all in. RIP. pic.twitter.com/O0QA5u2Bf2
— Tom Hart (@tom_hart) April 3, 2021
Rest In Heaven Luke❤️ God called home one of his children yesterday. His energy and passion for this university were unmatched! Such a selfless person! We couldn’t have done what we did this year without him. Fly High Fluff, We Love You🕊 pic.twitter.com/Zt0Mwl03fQ
— Jaden Shackelford (@jayunooo) April 3, 2021
Coach Murphy and @AlabamaSB honor Luke "Fluff" Ratliff during today's game. pic.twitter.com/LrMBYl5Uvp
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) April 3, 2021
Thank you @fluffopotamus88
1998-2021 pic.twitter.com/mJvM9rWRUz— Randall Cotton (@Crimsontide_art) April 3, 2021
Rest In Peace Luke… Thank you for always supporting Alabama with everything you had! You will be missed ♥️♥️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/EDaM4dGyPj
— Kira Lewis Jr. (@kiralewisjr) April 3, 2021
I know we are all heartbroken hearing the news about Cameron Luke Ratliff, @fluffopotamus88.
Fluff brought a positive attitude & energy to everything & everyone around him, especially @AlabamaMBB. He inspired all of us.
We will find an appropriate way to honor Fluff. #RIPFluff pic.twitter.com/bDJ3DeI95t
— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) April 3, 2021
— Crimson Chaos (@Crimson_Chaos) April 3, 2021
“We send our sincere condolences to Luke’s family and friends. He epitomized the Crimson Tide spirit and will be remembered for his enthusiasm and love for this University. He was more than a super fan – he was a student and a member of the University of Alabama family…
[1/2] pic.twitter.com/Ah817RSFyP— The Univ. of Alabama (@UofAlabama) April 3, 2021
Alabama basketball assistant coach Bryan Hodgson established a GoFundMe to help support Luke’s mother Pam Ratliff to cover any and all expenses from this tragic loss. The page has already raised more than $30,000 toward a $40,000 goal.
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