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The story of Adreian Payne and Lacey Holsworth’s adorable friendship gripped America’s hearts earlier this year, but today, family and friends are mourning the loss of little Lacey after she lost her battle with cancer last night.

According to ESPN, Lacey passed in her sleep Tuesday night after battling neuroblastoma, a fetal-nerve cell cancer. Her parents posted a photo of the 8-year-old girl on Instagram with the caption:

“Princess Lacey has achieved the ultimate victory. She now dances among angels…. The world is a better place because you were in it. Our hearts are broken. We love you Doll. Dance all night… Mommy and Daddy, Will, Mitchell, and Luke #LoveLikeLacey”

Lacy and Michigan State player Adreian Payne met 2012 when Lacey was in the hospital and the two bonded instantly. From having coloring and piano lessons, the two were inseparable, with Payne referring to Lacey as his sister. Lacey also joined Payne on the court during NCAA festivities and helped cut down the nets after the team won the Big Ten tournament.

@adorablelacey came over and we was playing the piano yesterday. pic.twitter.com/OrwqJtd3I1

— Adreian Payne (@Adreian_Payne) January 9, 2014

Fans of the little girl tweeted their condolences, including Spartans guard Gary Harris.

We send our dearest condolences to Lacey’s family and friends.

SOURCE: ESPN | VIDEO CREDIT: YouTube