Ohio State’s Zach Farmer passes away from leukemia

The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the news for their football team quite often these days, but a very tough piece of news has come out from the university. Ohio State pitcher Zach Farmer passed away earlier today at the young age of 21 after a long battle with leukemia, according to a press release.

Hearing this news is extremely tough to say the least, and he will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Farmer was originally diagnosed with the disease on April 28th, 2014, and after successful treatment went into remission on June 6th of 2014. Unfortunately, the disease did not let him go and he announced that it had returned on July 15th of this year. He passed away at The James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University.

“We are saddened by the loss of Zach,” said Gene Smith, Vice President and Director of Athletics. “Zach was a remarkable young man who inspired us all. He made a tremendous impact on many lives and showed incredible courage in his fight. We send our heartfelt condolences to Zach’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

In addition to those comments made by the athletics director, Farmer’s baseball coach made a few remarks of his own.

“Today is a sad day but also a day of peace for Zach and his family,” said Greg Beals, Ohio State baseball head coach. “We will dearly miss our fellow Buckeye, teammate and friend Zach Farmer. I feel blessed to have had Zach in our program and the opportunity to coach him. Although his time here was cut short, his legacy as a Buckeye will be long lasting. I am proud of the fight he fought – we learned so much from him. Zach’s courage to fight, positive attitude and love for his supporters and teammates defines what it means to be a Buckeye.”

Despite having to deal with the disease, Farmer was very active in the community and helped raise awareness for the bone marrow registry. He never allowed himself to get down and stay down, and that is an example that all of us can look up to.

Our prayers are with his family and friends, and we hope that Zach’s legacy continues to live on through the lives of those that he touched with his life.

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*Featured Photo (above) credit to the Chillicothe Gazette

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