The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and surrounding community mourns the loss of former men’s basketball forward Lucas Burns, who died at the age of 30. 

Burns was part of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball program that won the 2012 national championship.

Burns never played the most minutes or put up the best stats, but was a huge part of the team’s success. “I’m thoroughly convinced without his leadership, I do not believe that team would have achieved to the level that they did,” Head Men’s Basketball Coach Pat Miller added about his great friend and former player of his.

Burns touched the lives of many people he met throughout his time at Whitewater, whether it was on the court or off the court. Former teammate and roommate of Burns, Eric Bryson was one of those people.

“Everyone followed in the way that he carried himself,” Bryson stated. Bryson also got immense help from Burns after college, “After college he brought me in with his family for about 6 to 8 months to let me live there.” Those kinds of acts were the reason that everyone loved Lucas Burns.

Cody Odegaard, another former teammate and roommate of Burns at Whitewater was saddened by the loss of a great person.

“Ever since I have known him he has made me a better person, and he has done everything he could to help me out in all different assets of life,” Odegaard added. “He just always makes sure everyone around him gets better and he meant the world to me, one of my best friends from college.”

Burns was also owner of 841 Brewhouse in Whitewater, a favorite food spot for many citizens of Whitewater. Burns kept involved with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball program by hosting banquets at his restaurant and helping Coach Pat Miller in any aspect he could. 

Burns will always be remembered as one of the best humans to be around. He made a significant impact on his peers and community in his 30 years of life. As Head Coach Pat Miller said, “It is a devastating loss on so many levels, for our basketball program, our university community, and for the community at large.”

Burns is an inspiration and fought through immense adversity. Burns will be missed greatly, as he has touched so many.