RUSK, Texas — A beloved East Texas high school athlete has died following a sudden illness, leaving a community heartbroken and in search of healing.

After months battling a severe infection, the recent Rusk High School graduate Chad McCuin died Monday, leaving teammates and loved ones mourning his loss and celebrating his legacy.

In May, a routine doctor’s visit led to emergency surgeries and months in the hospital, as McCuin fought for his life.

“Boom, we got a call that they have to do surgery because he had an infection,” Chad’s twin sister Crystal McCuin said. “We got that call and right after that everything went downhill.”

Crystal said after months of fighting, a severe infection shut down his body and he passed away.

“One day led to two months, and then now it's this,” she sai

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