Former Western Kentucky and Green Bay tight end Mitchel Henry died Friday. He was 24.

His family posted the following message via Facebook:

Mitchell passed away with leukemia this morning at 3 am. We are so proud of Mitchell's fight with this terrible disease, proud of how he lived his life for the past 24 years, but most of all proud of his faith and acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. We are emotionally and physically exhausted. We ask respect for our privacy until we arrive back home. We will welcome calls and texts at that time. We love and appreciate each and everyone's support for Mitchell and all of his extended family over the last seven months. Please pray for all of our safe travels back home and the difficult days for our family that are still ahead. Love The Henry's

Henry played for the Hilltoppers from 2011-14 after a standout career at Elizabethtown High School. He caught 78 passes for 1,094 yards and 12 touchdowns over 47 games playing alongside future NFL players Jack Doyle and Tyler Higbee.

Henry's best game came Sept. 13, 2104 when he hauled in seven passes for 128 yards and two scores.

“It is with great sadness that we learned of Mitchell’s passing this morning,” WKU athletic director Todd Stewart said in a statement. “Mitchell was as committed to his teammates, his University, his friends and his family as anyone you will ever find, and we were so fortunate to have him as part of our Hilltopper family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his lovely wife Madison, and all of those who were blessed to have known Mitchell.”

He was originally signed by Green Bay in May of 2015 as a free agent, released by Green Bay later that year, claimed soon after by Denver before being resigned by Green Bay in 2016. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end was on Baltimore's practice squad until being cut in November.

In December, Henry's family planned a "Be The Match" drive in hopes of finding a bone marrow transplant for the now late Henry.