MSU honors memory of Princess Lacey

Eight-year-old cancer victim was friend of basketball team

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Breslin Center in East Lansing was filled Thursday night with the memory of an 8-year-girl whose charm and strength touched the Michigan State University basketball team, its fans and the nation.

Lacey Holsworth died last week, losing her battle with cancer. MSU basketball star Adreian Payne met Lacey during a hospital visit. They became close friends and the little girl who came to be known as Princess Lacey shared many special moments with Payne and the MSU team.

More than 2,500 people filled the Breslin Center Thursday for a special memorial ceremony, which was highlighted by a video showing many of Lacey's special moments shared with the team.

Payne spoke in a recorded tribute, as did Lacey's mother, Heather Holsworth.

Those who knew her spoke of Lacey's love of dancing, her winning smile, and her lack of fear.

And those who loved her know her legacy will live on.


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