Wolfpack Fans Gather at Bell Tower to Honor Superfan Grayson Ketchie

The 14-year-old, known as one of NC State's biggest fans, died after battling pneumonia.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Hundreds of Wolfpack fans gathered at the NC State Bell Tower on Friday for a vigil to honor Grayson Ketchie, a 14-year-old superfan who died after battling pneumonia for over a year. Grayson, who was born premature and nonverbal, became a fixture at NC State athletic events and formed a special relationship with former Ms. Wuf mascots. His mother Dianne Ketchie asked the crowd to "keep carrying him around" with them in memory of Grayson's joy and spirit.

Why it matters

Grayson's story touched the hearts of the entire Wolfpack community, highlighting the power of sports to bring people together and the impact that passionate fans can have, even in the face of adversity. His legacy as one of NC State's most beloved supporters will continue to inspire others.

The details

Grayson was born premature and nonverbal but became a well-known figure at NC State athletic events, forming close relationships with former Ms. Wuf mascots like Gus Camille and Mackenzie Gibbon. He even took his first steps in over two years into the arms of Camille. Hundreds gathered at the Bell Tower on Friday to mourn Grayson's passing and celebrate his life, with his mother Dianne making an emotional plea for everyone to "keep carrying him around" in their hearts.

  • Grayson died on Thursday, February 13, 2026 after battling pneumonia for over a year.
  • The vigil was held at the NC State Bell Tower on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Grayson Ketchie

A 14-year-old superfan of the NC State Wolfpack who was born premature and nonverbal, but became a fixture at athletic events and formed close relationships with the school's mascots.

Dianne Ketchie

Grayson's mother, who posted on social media about his passing and made an emotional plea at the vigil for people to "keep carrying him around" in their hearts.

Gus Camille

A former Ms. Wuf mascot who formed a special bond with Grayson, even helping him take his first steps in over two years.

Mackenzie Gibbon

Another former Ms. Wuf mascot who grew close to Grayson and his family over the years.

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What they’re saying

“He wants to reach out and hold your hand and give a hug. But even if he did not physically touch you, if he touched your heart, he found some way to connect even over a phone screen and social media.”

— Gus Camille, Former Ms. Wuf (abc11.com)

“We want to remember him and also allow everyone who loved him to come out because there are so many people that did love him and work, and just we didn't want to say goodbye when he was saying goodbye.”

— Mackenzie Gibbon, Former Ms. Wuf (abc11.com)

“It ripples out so much further than this campus. It ripples out so much further than his family. And everyone felt the love and the joy that he brings to everyone, that he brings to everything he does.”

— Gus Camille, Former Ms. Wuf (abc11.com)

“Please, just keep carrying him around with you.”

— Dianne Ketchie, Grayson's Mother (abc11.com)

“I want everybody who walks away from here tonight to keep a little bit of that with them. Always, because we all need to live that way. We all need to aspire to be a little bit more like Grayson.”

— Gus Camille, Former Ms. Wuf (abc11.com)

What’s next

The Wolfpack community plans to continue honoring Grayson's memory and legacy through future events and initiatives.

The takeaway

Grayson's story is a powerful reminder of the profound impact that passionate sports fans can have, even in the face of adversity. His joy, spirit, and ability to connect with others will continue to inspire the entire Wolfpack nation.