Thirteen year-old cancer patient and friend of Bryce Harper passed away yesterday

Back on July 5, Bryce Harper met with 13 year-old fan Gavin Rupp, who had recently been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. It was more than your typical athlete/young fan photo opp, as Harper and Rupp spent over an hour together talking and exchanging gifts. Harper dedicated his Stand Up Against Cancer plaque during the Home Run Derby to Rupp, and was clearly affected by their meeting. And Rupp and his family were clearly happy and moved as well.

This news, however inevitable was, is nonetheless sad:

Gavin Rupp, the hospice patient who threw out the first pitch at Nationals Park earlier this season, died Tuesday afternoon after a three-year fight with brain cancer, a Nationals spokeswoman confirmed. He was 13.

Harper took to Twitter last night:

Deeply saddened by the news I received shortly after the game! Gavin Rupp is a hero not only to me, but to many around! My condolences go

— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) July 31, 2013

out to his family and he will forever be in my heart and my mind! Much love buddy and I will be playing for you! #CANCERSUCKS

— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) July 31, 2013

I will be playing for this young man! Gavin is my hero and he was such a warrior! #CANCERSUCKS pic.twitter.com/xaV5XSkDyH

— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) July 31, 2013

RIP, Gavin. And F-you, cancer.