The Oakland Raiders will be playing Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens with heavy hearts after learning the 4-year-old son of defensive line coach Terrell Williams died Friday.
Tyson Williams, who celebrated his fourth birthday just days ago, died at Oakland Children's Hospital after being diagnosed earlier this month with an undisclosed illness, the team said Saturday. He was in the hospital for more than a week before his passing.
"We were all shocked by the news we received when we arrived in Baltimore last night," Raiders coach Dennis Allen said in a statement. "Terrell and (wife) Tifini have been dealing with unimaginable tragedy this week, and our hearts go out to them. We're all deeply saddened by the passing of Tyson, and our deepest sympathies go out to Terrell and his entire family."
Tyson Williams was born in West Lafayette, Ind., on Nov. 1, 2008 -- the same day his father was on the sideline as Purdue's defensive ends coach as the Boilermakers snapped Michigan's 33-year bowl appearance streak. The Williams family said Tyson always will be remembered for his love of cartoons and for how he was a great friend to his 8-month-old brother, Tahj.
Terrell Williams will not be at Sunday's game, and Allen said the Raiders' defensive coaching staff will share Williams' responsibilities.
The family will hold a private memorial service this week. Those that wish to send condolences should mail them to Williams at team headquarters, 1220 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, Calif., 94502.
