Florida State QB Marcus Outzen, 46, passed away last week after being diagnosed in April with HLH (Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), a rare immune deficiency disorder.
Friends have established a GoFundMe account on behalf of his wife Tara to help pay for their three children’s college education. The family lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. The account’s goal is to raise $200,000. More than $113,000 was raised by this morning.
In 1998, the third-string quarterback led the Seminoles to a win over the Florida Gators, which put the team in the first BCS championship game. The team lost to Tennessee 23-16 in the 1999 Fiesta Bowl.
From the GoFundMe page:
Marcus Outzen was diagnosed with HLH in April of this year. Within just a few short weeks after his diagnosis, we lost a husband, father, son, family member, colleague, friend, advocate, and warrior.
The sudden and unexpected loss of Marcus has left his wife, Tara, and their three children, Colton, Emery, and Beau, completely heartbroken. Marcus was the primary wage earner in the family, so in addition to coping with the loss, his family must navigate the path of their financial future.
The three Outzen children are outstanding young people with a bright future. They have their eyes on college, something that Marcus was very excited for them to achieve.
We are raising funds to help with the costs of their education and future. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact on the Outzen family’s journey toward healing.
Together, let’s surround them with love and support, showing them that they are not alone.We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
Note: Marcus was a distant cousin. We figured fourth- or fifth-cousin.
