Former Illinois defensive lineman Bobby Roundtree died at the age of 23 on Friday, according to multiple reports.

Roundtree suffered a severe spinal injury in a swimming accident in May 2019. He had been rehabbing over the last two years since suffering the injury.

“The Illini Family has lost one of its inspirational leaders with the passing of Bobby Roundtree Friday in the Tampa Bay area,” Illinois’ athletic department said. “RIP Bobby Roundtree. We will miss you.”

Though he couldn’t play football any longer, Roundtree continued to keep in contact with his teammates and even returned to campus during the 2019 season. The Fighting Illini earned a bowl berth that year after finishing with a 6-6 record, upsetting Wisconsin and Michigan State.

Roundtree played in 24 games for Illinois during the 2017 and 2018 seasons  and was one of the team’s best players. He totaled 117 tackles with 17.5 for loss, 12.5 sacks and 10 pass break-ups.