5:03 PM UPDATE: The Team Jack foundation released the following statement on their Facebook page:
Jack Hoffman has died after his latest battle with brain cancer. Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hoffman’s hometown of Atkinson confirmed his death in a Facebook post. “God has summoned our brother Jack Hoffman into eternal life in the glories of heaven. Blessed be his memory among us.”
Visitation for Jack will Friday, Jan. 17th, from 5-8 p.m. at the church. The funeral service will be Saturday, Jan. 18th, at 10:30am at the Atkinson Community Center. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Hoffman just completed his first semester at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The freshman political science major made the dean’s list and was a valued member of the Loper community.
UNK released a statement this afternoon, saying: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jack’s family, friends and all those whose lives he touched. Jack’s connection to the UNK community, even in his short time here, was meaningful. His impact on our campus and in the broader community will not be forgotten. We are grateful for the time he shared with us.”
When he was 7, Hoffman captured the hearts of Husker Nation when he scored a touchdown during Nebraska’s Spring Game. That moment won the 2013 ESPY Award for Best Moment in Sports. He would also be interviewed by CNN, Fox News, Good Morning America, and would have the opportunity to meet with then-president Barack Obama.
In December his family said in a CaringBridge post that they are praying for a miracle after recent tests revealed multiple new tumors. Jack’s mother, Brianna, shared that he was preparing for a second cycle of chemotherapy when a sudden illness disrupted their plans.
An initial MRI indicated possible tumor growth and further tests confirmed new tumors in his brain stem, cerebellum, ventricles and spine. He was admitted to Children’s Hospital for a few days to manage his symptoms before returning home to Atkinson.
Jack was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011 and led to the creation of the Team Jack Foundation. Money raised goes for pediatric brain cancer research. The family says they are grateful for continued prayers and support.
Tom Stanton from NRG Media sister station KLIN in Lincoln contributed to this story.
