COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a state where the Clemson-South Carolina football rivalry is religion, something far more important than a scoreboard happened on November 29, 2025, at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Tron Foster, a 23-year-old lifelong Clemson Tigers fan who had beaten cancer three times since childhood, spent what would be the final day of his life living out a dream he never thought possible — meeting his hero, head coach Dabo Swinney, and experiencing the Palmetto Bowl in person.
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Foster, a Boiling Springs High School graduate and accomplished bass fisherman, passed away just hours after Clemson’s 28-14 victory over the Gamecocks, surrounded by family at home.
What made the day extraordinary wasn’t just the gesture from Clemson — it was that it began with a South Carolina fan.
Russ Lloyd, a prominent Gamecock donor and president of a Summerville waste-management company, learned through a mutual friend that Tron had never attended a Clemson game or tailgate despite his unwavering fandom. Lloyd immediately offered his premium tailgate spot to the Foster family and worked with USC football staffer Clyde Wrenn to secure sideline passes.
When a pre-game meeting with Swinney wasn’t guaranteed, Lloyd and the Gamecock Club positioned the family near Clemson’s bus arrival. A USC representative briefed Swinney as he stepped off the bus. Without hesitation, the two-time national champion coach made a beeline to Tron, who sat bundled in blankets and an orange Clemson beanie in his wheelchair.
Photos from the moment show pure joy: Swinney crouching down, hugging Tron, and spending several minutes with him and his family.
Later that night, with no prompting from reporters, Swinney opened his postgame press conference with an emotional tribute.
“I got to meet a young man named Tron before the game,” Swinney told the room. “Hopefully he’s smiling… I think he’s maybe in hospice right now. It just blessed me to be able to see him. So I just want to give a shout-out to Tron and tell him, ‘Go Tigers.’”
Tron watched the press conference from home and, according to his mother Ashley, was “grinning ear to ear” when he heard his name.
He passed away peacefully later that night.
“On Saturday, November 29, 2025, after braving the cold to cheer for his Clemson Tigers… Tron returned home and gained the ultimate victory, just as his Clemson Tigers did,” his obituary read.
The story exploded across social media, with fans from both sides — often divided by one of college football’s fiercest rivalries — united in celebration of the humanity displayed.
“This is what college football is really about,” one Clemson fan posted. “Thank you to those Gamecock folks who made this possible.”
A South Carolina supporter replied: “Proud to be a Gamecock today. Rest easy, Tron.”
In a rivalry that has produced decades of trash talk and divided families, Saturday reminded everyone that some things are bigger than football.
For one afternoon in November, orange and garnet stood together — and gave a dying young man the perfect final memory.
Rest in peace, Tron Foster (2002–2025). Forever All In. 🧡