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Former Philadelphia Eagles fullback Kevin Turner died at the age of 46 today on Wednesday, March 24. Turner lost a hard-fought battle to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The following message was posted on the official website of Turner's foundation.
Our dear brother, former Crimson Tide and NFL star, Kevin Turner passed away this morning after a long battle with ALS. He was surrounded by his family and friends.
His father Raymond Turner said, "Myra and I lost a great son today. He will be missed so much. Thanks to everyone so very much for your support and prayers during this journey. He was ready to go to Heaven, excited he said, Love y'all and God Bless."
The Kevin Turner Foundation was founded after Turner was diagnosed with the disease in 2010. The foundation aims to draw attention to ALS and sports-related traumatic brain injuries. Read more about it here.
After starting his career with the New England Patriots, Turner played five seasons in Philadelphia before retiring after 1999.
Rest in peace, Kevin Turner.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 24, 2016
One of the best human beings you would ever meet has passed away. Former #Eagles FB Kevin Turner has lost his fight with ALS.
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) March 24, 2016
RIP Kevin Turner, good friend, good fullback, great fighter for the cause to the end
— Ron Borges (@RonBorges) March 24, 2016
Watching u as a rookie. MAX Effort & Unselfish Leadership are just 2 of the things u exemplified #RIP #KT #ThankU pic.twitter.com/GgViimDY2D
— Brian Dawkins (@BrianDawkins) March 24, 2016
One of my greatest teammates! https://t.co/g4aCnTVxNZ
— Ty Detmer (@TyDetmer14) March 24, 2016
Kevin turner rip my brother.
— Ron Jaworski (@jawsespn) March 24, 2016
R.I.P Kevin Turner. You were a helluva teammate. Until we meet again… https://t.co/8dEgeJ1bhj
— Hugh Douglas (@Bighugh53) March 24, 2016
#EAGLES Teammates for life #RIP Kevin Turner you are a true hero and… https://t.co/s0CnBmRoOq
— Mark McMillian (@MarkMcMillian29) March 24, 2016
This one hurts when you loose a Teamate its a bond that can never be duplicated @KevinTurner_NFL #RIP #ROLLTIDE #ALS pic.twitter.com/zHoc5gSoGk
— Mark McMillian (@MarkMcMillian29) March 24, 2016
Prayers and blessing go out to a former teammate of mine Kevin Turner, unfortunately he passed away. Great mentor and friend. KT we miss you
— Donovan McNabb (@donovanjmcnabb) March 24, 2016
RIP KT #FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/IDM2W2gJMT
— Ike Reese (@Ike58Reese) March 24, 2016
Very sad to hear this about a great man. Was with Kevin in Philadelphia in the late 90's. Mad respect for KT. https://t.co/9wJciSFfBo
— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 24, 2016
One of the greatest guys I know, Kevin Turner my teammate & friend died today. He was diagnosed with ALS & fought hard and as long as could
— Joe Panos (@JoePanos1) March 24, 2016
Rest In Peace KT. Great teammate. Great friend. https://t.co/zAMIiMTXsW
— Drew Bledsoe (@DrewBledsoe) March 24, 2016
In Jamaica & just got news on Kevin Turner, devastated. Rest in peace my good friend. Played the guitar & made me love the Eagles. Love KT
— Scott Zolak (@scottzolak) March 24, 2016
This guy is a true hero -- Used his own misfortune to try and make the future better for others. RIP, Kevin Turner. https://t.co/F4lbwdYFmu
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 24, 2016
Kevin Turner was a fighter who wanted to help others. This is a big loss for all of us in the NFL player community. RIP.
— DeMaurice Smith (@DeSmithNFLPA) March 24, 2016