East Chicago, Ind.—Darcus Jefferson, the mother of Iowa State men’s basketball player Marcus Jefferson, passed away Thursday, May 15 after losing her battle with cancer.

“We are all extremely bereaved at the loss of Darcus Jefferson,” ISU head coach Wayne Morgan said. “Our thoughts and prayers are of course with Marcus and his family through this horrendous time. It is important for him to know that this team is behind him and we love him.”

— ISU Media Relations