Former University of South Carolina QB Phil Petty Dead at 43

Former University of South Carolina quarterback Phil Petty

who led the Gamecocks to two Outback Bowl Championships, died on Thursday. He was 43 years old.

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The Gamecock football team confirmed Petty's death on Twitter early Thursday morning

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writing, "Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a great Gamecock."

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"Phil Petty typified what a Gamecock truly is," the South Carolina athletics director

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Ray Tanner said in a statement released by the school."A native South Carolinian

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he was a fighter on the football field, a tremendous person off the field and beloved by all Gamecocks

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He was a great friend to many and a wonderful dad and husband. My prayers go out to his wife

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Morgan, children, Sage and McCoy, and his many friends," Tanner continued.

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