Kevin Scott passed away Tuesday in Toronto hospital at age 26

RINDGE, N.H. (August 10, 2005) - Kevin Scott, a four-year men's basketball letter winner at Franklin Pierce, lost his on-going battle with cancer on Tuesday at the age of 26.

Scott, born October 14, 1978, in Kingston, Jamaica, passed away at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, where dozens of family members and friends had surrounded him on a daily basis. He is survived by his parents, Samuel and Cynthia Rodney-Gill, of Mississauga, Ontario, twin brother, Kevan, and brothers, Craig and David.

Scott's stellar collegiate career at Franklin Pierce brought aspirations of playing professionally, but that dream was cut short when a large tumor was discovered in his knee late in his senior year. Scott had the tumor removed and, with subsequent chemotherapy sessions, went into remission.            

In the fall of 2004, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to his lung. Scott had a piece of his lung removed and following treatments went into remission for a second time. Unfortunately, in early July, Scott was forced back into the hospital where it was discovered the cancer had reappeared in his lung.

Less than two weeks ago, it was learned that Scott had shown improved strength and was even deemed fit enough to go home, but remained at Mount Sinai to more conveniently complete his radiation and chemotherapy treatments. It was learned that in recent days, his condition had worsened with the College learning of his death today.          

"Today marks a very sad day within the Franklin Pierce University community," said Bruce Kirsh, Vice President and Director of Athletics at the College. "We are all saddened by the loss of Kevin Scott. Kevin will be remembered as an extraordinary young man whose talents extended far beyond the basketball court. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin's family."

Scott began his playing career at Franklin Pierce during the 1998-99 season following three standout years at Iona Catholic High School in Mississauga, Ontario, where he lettered in basketball and football. His 1,181 career points at Franklin Pierce currently ranks 22^nd in program history, while his 693 career rebounds are good for seventh and 138 blocked shots fourth all-time.

Scott earned second team All-Northeast-10 Conference honors in 2001-02 after leading Franklin Pierce by averaging 15.4 points (15th in the NE-10), 8.7 rebounds (2nd NE-10), 1.6 blocks (3rd NE-10) and 1.5 steals per game. His .527 (173-328) shooting percentage ranked sixth in the Conference and he also posted ten double-doubles which was good for second as a senior. 

The Ravens compiled a 66-47 (.584) record over his career, including a 47-31 (.602) mark in Conference play. He was a member of a Ravens team that was runner-up in the New England Collegiate Conference in 1999-2000. In 2000-01, he played an integral role on a team that reached the semifinals of the Northeast-10 Tournament. In the Ravens quarterfinal round upset of No. 14-ranked Saint Anselm College, Scott netted a career-high 37 points on 16-of-22 shooting from the field, to go with a game-high ten rebounds and three blocks.

"As a player, Kevin was one of the most talented big men we have had at Franklin Pierce in a very long time," said Head Coach David Chadbourne. "Personally, he was one of those people you always wanted to be around. He was always happy and upbeat, even when he learned of the cancer. Kevin never complained or felt sorry for himself and always felt he was going to beat it. I was shocked at the news this morning. Kevin was so young and someone I cared about a lot."

Funeral services will take place at The Simple Alternative (1535 South Gateway Road) in Mississauga, Ontario. Public viewing hours are scheduled for Sunday, August 14, from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service is Monday, August 15 in the chapel at 1 p.m.