Bama Central

Alabama Athletics, Basketball Program Heartbroken Over Loss of "Fluffopotamus," Luke Ratliff

Crimson Tide athletics community reels at the news Alabama basketball superfan Luke Ratliff died at the age of 23
Christopher Walsh|
Alabama Athletics, Basketball Program Heartbroken Over Loss of "Fluffopotamus," Luke Ratliff
Alabama Athletics, Basketball Program Heartbroken Over Loss of "Fluffopotamus," Luke Ratliff

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Even though University of Alabama student Luke Ratliff wasn't an official part of the Crimson Tide athletics department, his death shook both it and the university to its core Friday night. 

Social media had been active all night after friends relayed the seriousness of his medical situation as Ratliff struggled with complications from the coronavirus, and his family called for "All the prayers you have please."

Among those to respond and ask for more were head coach Nate Oats and athletic director Greg Byrne. 

Oats later posted a heartfelt message after Ratliff's death had been confirmed. 

"Devastating news. Doesn’t seem real. Fluff has been our biggest supporter since day one. Put all he had into our program. Loved sharing this ride with him. You’ll be missed dearly my man! Wish we had one more victory cigar and hug together. Roll Tide Forever. @fluffopotamus88"

Twitter was full of both remembrances and tributes from both rivals and colleagues, and scores of people who described him as being a friend. 

The athletic department's reaction was a simple symbol, one that was subsequently used by many: 

Senior forward Alex Reese, who hit the dramatic three-pointer to send the UCLA game to overtime on Sunday (with Ratliff in attendance in Indianapolis), used the word: "Devastated."

Herbert Jones:

Walk-on Tyler Barnes:

"Really don’t have the words man. He lit up every room with his smile and lived life with so much energy and joy. A legend that is gone too soon."

Walk-on Britton Johnson: 

"Shocked and heartbroken over the sudden passing of fluff. A legend and a friend. He will be missed dearly. Praying for the Ratliff family during this tragic time. Man this one hurts!"

Crystal Oats, wife of head coach Nate Oats:

"Just devastated! Enjoyed listening to his podcast. I remember when I told him how much I enjoyed it. I encouraged him to continue even after graduating. His eyes lit up with delight and possibility. All of that potential gone too soon. We will miss u."

Former Crimson Tide player Levi Randolph: 

Former Crimson Tide player Raymond Hawkins: 

Women's basketball coach Kristy Curry:

Basketball Director of Operations Adam Bauman:

"Shocked & Saddened. The most genuine and passionate person I have ever met. Gone entirely too soon."

Baseball coach Brad Bohanon dedicated Friday's win in Ratliff's honor. 

Crimson Tide Sports Network analyst Bryan Passink 

The corresponding video is from the 2019-20 season, when first-year coach Nate Oats was asked about the leader of the student section. 

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Christopher Walsh
CHRISTOPHER WALSH

Christopher Walsh is the founder and publisher of Alabama Crimson Tide On SI, which first published as BamaCentral in 2018, and is also the publisher of the Boston College, Missouri and Vanderbilt sites . He's covered the Crimson Tide since 2004 and is the author of 27 books including “100 Things Crimson Tide Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die” and “Nick Saban vs. College Football.” He's an eight-time honoree of Football Writers Association of America awards and three-time winner of the Herby Kirby Memorial Award, the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s highest writing honor for story of the year. In 2022, he was named one of the 50 Legends of the ASWA. Previous beats include the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, along with Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. Originally from Minnesota and a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, he currently resides in Tuscaloosa.

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