HENRICO, Va. — Tucker Gordon, the man whom thousands rallied behind in an effort known as #HelpTuckerBreathe, passed away. His father said that Tucker passed just before 6 a.m. on June 15, 2015.

In 2013, a social media campaign raised $75,708 to help Tucker get a needed double-lung transplant. Tucker, age 27, had cystic fibrosis — a rare disease that attacks the lungs, pancreas and liver – since he was 14 months old.

Tucker, a Deep Run High School graduate and day care worker, fought his disease like a champ most of his life, playing football, running track, snowboarding and boxing to stay in tip-top shape.

But in 2013 he slipped into a coma and was flown to Duke University for the lung transplant. It would take many months in the hospital to recover. In 2014, he sang his thanks on camera and shared his gratitude that so many people rallied behind him.

He also said he was grateful his story was heard far and wide and that it raised awareness of this rare disease. He said he hoped it would likely help others with CF, including some kid who’s wondering how long he might get to live and breathe on this earth.

His father, Rod Gordon, made the announcement of Tucker’s passing in the social media group started in 2013.

Today, June 15, 2015, at a few moments before 6 a.m. our son Tucker Gordon lost his battle against Cystic Fibrosis. On behalf of our entire family I would like to extend our thanks and heartfelt appreciation for your continued prayers and support throughout this painful journey. I love Tucker very much, as I am sure that all of you do. At last.....he is breathing free. ......

Rest in Peace, Tucker.