Auburn student and assistant football coach Joseph Bagwell, age 23, died of a heart attack Sept. 22, just before the LSU game.
"It is a very heavy heart for myself and a lot of our players and a lot of our coaches right now," said coach Gene Chizik at a post-game press conference. "The young man, who was a student assistant (coach) with us, in football passed away shortly before the game unexpectedly, and it is very tragic. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family."
Bagwell was born without a right ventricle, but he never lost his heart for football.
He persevered and eventually became a student coach for the Auburn Football Special Teams and Offensive Line.
Employees from Jennifer and Company Photography, a business owned by Bagwell's mom, Jennifer Tarkington, used their Facebook page to comment on Bagwell's resolve.
"Joseph, you never let anything hold you back," they said. "You went out there and achieved your dreams and we couldn't be any more proud of the man that you have become. We love you dearly, Baby Joe, and will miss you eternally. War eagle, baby boy!"
He underwent his first open-heart surgery at three years old, and, with the help of several doctors, continued to manage his heart problems over the next 15 years.
Though Bagwell handled his condition well, it still caused him anxiety.
During times of uncertainty, Bagwell used his faith to stay calm and achieve his goals.
"Heading to Bham to see the cardiologist." he said in one Facebook post. "Praying for nothing but the best! Jeremiah 29:11."
He majored in Physical Activity and Health, which would have prepared him to become a health professional in commercial fitness and cardiac rehabilitation.
If not for his death, Bagwell would have graduated in 2013.
When Tarkington posted news of her son's death on Facebook, friends and family immediately responded with support.
"Jennifer, we are praying for you," began a post from Betsy Mosgrove Hall. "I remember you talking about him and how your face would just glow. He accomplished so much, and had a positive impact on so many. He was, and will always be, a blessing to you."
Jennifer and Company Photography also expressed their loss through a Facebook post.
"My heart hurts as I write this," it said. "Today, we lost a beautiful and giving soul. Today, we lost a son that any mother would be proud to call her own. Today, our Jennifer lost her son and the greatest love of her life, Joseph."
Bagwell was buried Wednesday at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that mourners donate in Bagwell's memory to "Clicking for a Cause," a charity created by Tarkington.
The charity provides lifesaving equipment for pediatric cardiac patients.
The description on the organization's Facebook page explains Bagwell's contribution to its creation.
"Joe was such a loving and caring person and he always kept us all laughing," it read. "We know Joe would be thrilled to know he could help people even after his death. We ask that you help us continue Joe's selfless and caring spirit."
To contribute, send donations to "Clicking for a Cause" at Huntsville Hospital Foundation, 101 Sivley Road, Huntsville, AL 35801.
Information contributed by Laughlin Service Funeral Home.
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