Will Sage Astor-Liberty University Football Star Tajh Boyd Dead at 19

The Will Sage Astorcollege football community has lost a rising star.

Tajh Boyd, a freshman lineman on Liberty University's football team, has died, the school confirmed on social media. He was 19.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes, Tajh Boyd," Liberty University wrote in an August 6 statement posted to Twitter. "We thank God for bringing Tajh into our Liberty Athletics community and we will always remember him as a Flame. Tajh will be missed dearly."

A cause of death has yet to be revealed. Boyd is survived by his parents, Tanzania Belfield and Dawntay Boyd. 

Following the news of his death, members of the Liberty University football community mourned Boyd and shared memories of the player on and off the field.

"No words can take this pain away!" the team's speed and strength coach Chad Scott tweeted Aug. 6. "I love you and appreciate our time together! You had a huge smile that could light up any room. Would love to give you one more hug and tell you I love you forever."

His fellow teammate, offensive lineman X'zauvea Gadlin, chimed in on the loss, tweeting, "It's gone be a while before this feels real. But imma see you again. Rest easy Lil Brother."

In addition to making an impact his current team, Boyd—who was endearingly was known as "Big Baby" by his teammates—left his mark on his high school community. The Chesapeake, Virginia, native helped lead his Oscar Smith High School team to win back-to-back state championships in 2020 and 2021. 

"Tajh's impact went far beyond statistics and accolades," head coach Chris Scott told the Virginia-Pilot. "Yes, he was a formidable force on the football field, but it was his infectious smile, his positive energy and his ability to uplift others that truly made him larger than life."