BLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech starting defensive end Houshun Gaines could miss Saturday’s game against Notre Dame due to a death in the family.

Gaines mother Tardra Hilliard, 44, passed away Monday at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

“Still can’t believe I got that call today,” Gaines tweeted. “God needed his angel in heaven more then (sic) we needed you here. From this day until my last breath I will do everything in my power to make you proud. I love you so much and I’ll see you again one day Momma.”

A Virginia Tech spokesperson said the defender has been traveling back and forth to North Carolina in recent weeks to be by his mother’s side. The coaching staff plans on letting Gaines — who wasn’t with the team Tuesday — decide whether he plays against Notre Dame on Saturday.

“Those are touchy situations,” defensive coordinator Bud Foster said. “Obviously, we have the utmost respect for House’s family and what they are going through. My heart goes out to him and his family. That’s kind of a private matter, a personal matter. We’ll see how he feels.”

Gaines spoke about his mother’s recent health challenges following his career performance against Duke. Gaines had four tackles (two solo) with 2.5 sacks in the 31-14 win. The fourth-year junior had his mother’s initials TH painted on his cheeks in eye black for the game.

“It’s been tough, but the main thing is just coming out and coming around my guys and being around my team is really uplifting,” Gaines said, after the game. “Being able to play football, it gives you a moment to get away from anything and get swallowed up in a whole different world. I love this team. I love the coaches. I love my guys. I love this program. Without them, honestly, I don’t know if I would be sitting here acting the way I am.”

Gaines has 13 tackles with 3.5 sacks on the season. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder is the team’s top pass rush specialist following Trevon Hill’s departure. Hill was dismissed from the morning after the Hokies 49-35 loss to Old Dominion.

The defensive line stepped up against Duke in Hill’s absence generating consistent pressure on quarterback Daniel Jones. Foster praised the group after the game and signaled out Gaines’ “big time” performance.

“My hat goes off (to Gaines)…” Foster said. “It’s been extremely tough on him. What he’s been going through, that loss (against Old Dominion) is nothing compared to what he’s going through.”

Virginia Tech defensive back Caleb Farley offered his heartfelt condolences to Gaines when speaking to reporters Tuesday. Farley’s mother Robin passed away earlier this year from cancer.

“I feel for House a lot at this moment,” Farley said. “I know it can really get you down. I’m just going to continue to pray for him and let him know that I’m here for him, that I love him and this team loves him.”