RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Hours before Saturday's game against Virginia Tech , NC State announced the passing of Drue Elliott, the oldest daughter of defensive coordinator DJ Elliott, following a five-year battle with pediatric cancer.

DJ was absent from the game, leaving players and coaches visibly emotional throughout the evening. According to our newsgathering partners at the News & Observer, co-defensive coordinator Charlton Warren called plays in his absence.

Drue was diagnosed in the spring of 2020, while DJ was an assistant at Kansas.

The Eliott family has received an outpouring of support on social media from the Wolfpack community and from football fans across the nation.

Fans looking to honor Drue Elliott's memory can make donations to the Children's Hospital of Philadel

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