Carolina super fan “Gamecock Jesus” passes away

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– Sources in the University of South Carolina athletic department tell ABC Columbia News that Carlton Thompson better known as “Gamecock Jesus” has passed away after being in hospice care since Friday.

Thompson had been a fixture at Gamecock men’s and women’s basketball games as well as other athletic events for decades.

Reaction to Thompson’s passing flooding social media Wednesday morning.

Gamecock women’s basketball coach posting, “I can’t even….what an angel well beyond today. His life was called to serve and he did it without complaint and full of joy. Gamecock Jesus you know all of us @GamecockWBB genuinely loved you. Heaven opened its door and welcomed you. #love

Former men’s Gamecock coach Frank Martin saying, “RIP Gamecock Jesus. Thanks for caring as much as you did.”