In the midst of the second week of their 2023 football season, the Chapin Eagles are mourning the loss of one of their own.

Newberry County Coroner Laura Kneece confirmed the death of senior nose guard Fabian Douglas “Tre” Ruff III, 17 of Little Mountain, reporting that he was pronounced dead at his home at about 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22.

No cause of death has been announced.

“This incident remains under investigation by Newberry County Coroner’s Office, Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Child Fatality Unit,” the coroner said in a release.

The Chapin Eagle Club announced on Facebook that the Eagles B-Team and JV games were canceled this week. The varsity team practiced Tuesday night with the intention of playing its regularly scheduled game against Mid-Carolina Friday, Aug. 25. 

Each of the team’s seniors has a banner photo outside the football team’s home at Cecil Woolbright Field Stadium, with Ruff’s being adorned with flowers Tuesday night as his teammates practiced.

"The Eagle family is heartbroken over the loss of senior football player, Tre Ruff," Chapin High posted to Facebook. "Tre is known for his kind heart, bright smile, and huge bear hugs."

Chapin head football coach Justin Gentry declined the Chronicle’s request for comment, deferring to the Lexington-Richland School District 5 office, which directed us to the Newberry County Coroner’s Office. 

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.