The Florida Gators family is reeling alongside sophomore guard Riley Kugel, who announced that his younger brother, Tyree Kugel, tragically passed away in a car accident in Orlando late Saturday night. Just hours earlier, Kugel had scored 18 points in a gritty win over LSU. He learned of the accident shortly after the game.
Kugel shared the news in a heartbreaking Instagram post: “I don’t know how to keep going without you. My little bro, my biggest fan. This one hurts different.”
Coach Todd Golden addressed the media, barely holding back emotion. “There are no words. Riley is one of the strongest kids I’ve ever coached. But this is a pain no one should have to carry.” The team held a private moment of prayer before Sunday’s film session, many players seen in tears.
Fans organized a candlelight vigil outside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, where hundreds gathered with signs and flowers. Kugel has taken a leave of absence from the team.
Messages of support have poured in from across the SEC and NCAA basketball world. But behind every word of encouragement lies a deep sadness—for a rising star playing through unimaginable pain.
