Alabama basketball coaches, players pay tribute to late superfan Luke Ratliff
![Bama fans cheer on the Tide during the game with Vanderbilt as the Crimson Tide finished the home schedule Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in Coleman Coliseum. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]Alabama Vs Vandy Sec Basketball](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fb0476c48a6305336ca47ffd6e7afa60046d17c8ea3463847595438b1a95d611e.jpg "Bama fans cheer on the Tide during the game with Vanderbilt as the Crimson Tide finished the home schedule Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in Coleman Coliseum. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]Alabama Vs Vandy Sec Basketball")
Alabama is mourning the loss of superfan Luke Ratliff who passed away on Friday night at the age of 23 after complications from COVID-19.
Alabama superfan Luke Ratliff has passed away.
Affectionately known as “Fluffopotomas,” Ratliff was one of the most visible and most vocal Alabama basketball fans in recent years. He could be seen setting up in the student section at Coleman Coliseum well before games began and was among the last to leave. Ratliff was proud to say he attended 43 of the last 45 Alabama basketball games, including the last 42 in a row.
Sadly, the Alabama senior passed away on Friday night after experiencing complications from COVID-19. He was 23 years old.
Ratliff had a close relationship with Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats who gave Ratliff a plaid jacket similar to the one he’d sport on the sidelines and Crimson Tide bench. He wore it with pride.
Oats and several Alabama basketball players, coaches, fans and media were among those to offer their condolences and offer their thoughts and prayers to the Ratliff family after the news of his passing became known.
Alabama coaches and players pay tribute to late superfan Luke Ratliff
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 pic.twitter.com/1igys6NdHh
— Nate Oats (@nate_oats) April 3, 2021
https://twitter.com/_hoopinglife/status/1378188443709284360
https://twitter.com/alexxreese18/status/1378180661396267008
https://twitter.com/UA_Athletics/status/1378188807221223426
https://twitter.com/CollinSexton02/status/1378357068751589382
This conference is made special by its fans. They are the energy behind the players and programs that just mean more. Fluff’s magnetic personality drew us all in. RIP. pic.twitter.com/O0QA5u2Bf2
— Tom Hart (@tom_hart) April 3, 2021
https://twitter.com/jayunooo/status/1378398172914069507
Coach Murphy and @AlabamaSB honor Luke "Fluff" Ratliff during today's game. pic.twitter.com/LrMBYl5Uvp
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) April 3, 2021
https://twitter.com/kiralewisjr/status/1378367739404955651
I know we are all heartbroken hearing the news about Cameron Luke Ratliff, @fluffopotamus88.
— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) April 3, 2021
Fluff brought a positive attitude & energy to everything & everyone around him, especially @AlabamaMBB. He inspired all of us.
We will find an appropriate way to honor Fluff. #RIPFluff pic.twitter.com/bDJ3DeI95t
https://twitter.com/Crimson_Chaos/status/1378190245448007683
“We send our sincere condolences to Luke’s family and friends. He epitomized the Crimson Tide spirit and will be remembered for his enthusiasm and love for this University. He was more than a super fan – he was a student and a member of the University of Alabama family...
— The Univ. of Alabama (@UofAlabama) April 3, 2021
[1/2] pic.twitter.com/Ah817RSFyP
Alabama basketball assistant coach Bryan Hodgson established a GoFundMe to help support Luke’s mother Pam Ratliff to cover any and all expenses from this tragic loss. The page has already raised more than $30,000 toward a $40,000 goal.
Next. Top 25 college basketball teams of all time. dark
For more NCAA basketball news, analysis, opinion and features, check out more from the FanSided college basketball section to stay on top of the latest action.