UA Announces Plans To Honor Memory Of Late Bama Hoops Superfan

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama on Thursday announced its plans to honor the memory of the late Crimson Tide basketball superfan and Crimson Chaos President Cameron Luke Ratliff, better known as "Fluffopotamus" or "Fluff."

Ratliff passed away on Friday, April 2 at the age of 23 due to complications from the coronavirus.

UA announced it has established the Luke "Fluffopotamus" Ratliff Memorial Gift Fund, which is designed to assist the future presidents of Crimson Chaos, specifically the leader of the men's basketball student section, with travel expenses to road events as well as merchandise for students and promotional giveaways.

Click here to donate to the memorial fund

The athletic department also said the newly-elected president of Crimson Chaos will be presented a plaid jacket similar to Ratliff's as part of the Tide Tipoff preseason basketball event to wear at games.

Another lasting tribute will be the placement of a plaque on the seat Ratliff regularly occupied in Coleman Coliseum, which will be reserved for the sitting Crimson Chaos president.

An outpouring of support has been seen in the month following Ratliff's unexpected death, including a fundraiser by Alabama men's basketball assistant coach Bryan Hodgson that has raised just short of $59,000 for Ratliff's family.

A memorial ceremony was also held on the steps on Coleman Coliseum in the days after his death, which saw UA Athletic Director Greg Byrne pledge to the Crimson Tide faithful and Ratliff's family that a fitting and lasting tribute to Ratliff's legacy would be made.

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