The community at duPont Manual High School in Louisville is mourning the loss of one of its own. Davis Randle, a senior and standout basketball player, passed away following a courageous battle with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
He was diagnosed in December 2023, after experiencing persistent knee pain and a noticeable decline in his mobility and athletic performance. Davis was known at Manual not only for his talent on the basketball court but also for his vibrant personality, strong work ethic, and unwavering spirit.
Teammates, coaches, and classmates remember him as a source of energy and positivity, both in the locker room and in the classroom. His diagnosis came as a shock to many, especially given his active lifestyle and previously excellent health.
In the months leading up to his diagnosis, Davis began to slow down during practices, something that was uncharacteristic for the typically fast and explosive player.
“Going from dunking the basketball to not being able to walk, that’s a big jump,” Davis told WDRB News in February during an interview that highlighted his inspiring resilience in the face of his illness. That quote has now come to symbolize the physical and emotional challenges he endured with bravery and honesty.
Despite undergoing intense treatments and dealing with the toll of cancer, Davis remained deeply connected to his team and school. In February 2025, Manual High School honored him during Senior Night—a moment that brought both tears and cheers from a packed gymnasium.
Davis, supported by teammates and family, took center court to be celebrated not only as an athlete but as a fighter and a role model. The gym erupted in applause as he was wheeled out in his uniform, a powerful symbol of strength and unity.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) confirmed on Monday that Davis had died, prompting an outpouring of tributes from around the city and beyond. Messages of condolence flooded social media, with students, teachers, athletes, and public officials expressing their grief and admiration for the young man whose story touched so many.
“Davis was more than just a basketball player,” one of his teachers shared. “He was a leader, a friend, and a shining example of perseverance. Even when he was in pain, he smiled and made others laugh. That’s who he was.”
Manual’s basketball coach praised Davis’s determination and attitude, saying, “He showed us what it means to be truly strong. Davis fought every day with courage. He never gave up on life or his teammates, and he never let cancer take away his spirit.”
Osteosarcoma, the type of cancer Davis battled, is most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults and often begins in the long bones of the legs or arms. Its symptoms can mimic typical sports injuries—such as knee pain—which is why it often goes undiagnosed until it has progressed.
Davis’s case served as a stark reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body and advocating for thorough medical evaluation when something feels wrong. Since his diagnosis, Davis became a quiet advocate for awareness and education around childhood and adolescent cancers.
His family and school community have expressed their desire to carry on his legacy by supporting cancer research and offering assistance to other families facing similar battles. Plans for a scholarship or memorial fund in his name are currently underway, and his jersey is expected to be retired in a ceremony later this year.
