Tribute Event Today, GoFundMe Started In Memory Of Bama Superfan

TUSCALOOSA, AL — It is a day of mourning for the University of Alabama faithful following word of the death of Crimson Tide hoops superfan Luke Ratliff on Friday at the age of 23. In the wake of the news, an outpouring of support and love for the UA senior who became known lovingly as Fluffopotamus has been seen, with one memorial event already set for this afternoon.

Matthew Travis, a friend of Ratliff's, told Patch the memorial will begin at the front entrance of Coleman Coliseum at 1 p.m. Saturday.

"It’s important to honor Luke because of how important he was to myself and so many other people," Travis told Patch Saturday morning. "Luke had the biggest heart out of anybody I’ve ever met and he would truly do anything for anybody he had ever met and he was just a light in this world. He was a fantastic fan and leader but he was so much more than that to anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him and he will be deeply missed."

In another show of support, Alabama men's basketball assistant coach Bryan Hodgson has started a GoFundMe with the goal of raising $20,000. As of the publication of this story Saturday morning, the fundraiser had already gathered an astonishing $12,286.

Click here to donate.

"I have set up this fundraiser to help Luke's family cover any and every expense they may incur during this tragic time," the page says. "All final funds will be sent directly to Luke's family. Thank you all for your support and love."

Tuscaloosa Patch will have more on this story throughout the day.