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The Buffalo Bills community is in mourning after superfan Ezra Castro, also known as “Pancho Billa,” died of cancer on Tuesday at the age of 39, according to multiple news reports.
Castro, a beloved figure for fans of the Bills, was best known for his passion for the football team and for his elaborate game day outfit that included a colorful sombrero and face mask. TheBuffalo Newsdescribed him as“the euphoric heart and soul of the nationwide #BillsMafia.”
Accordingto ESPN, Castro had been hospitalized at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center since April after he was diagnosed with spinal cancer in 2017.
The Bills tweeted a sweet tribute to Castro on Wednesday, sharing a video complied of voiceovers and footage of him.
Bills co-owner Kim Pegula also shared a tribute, tweeting that Castro was “a tremendous inspiration.”
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Bills players are also remembering Castro on social media.
On Tuesday, wide receiver Zay Joneswrote: “Sad to hear the news about our brother & teammate today. I still remember when Pancho Billa came to speak to us the night before the Jets game. His passion & energy was unlike any other. His fight was relentless & so admirable. Blessed to have known him. Rest In Peace my friend.”
Former Bills player Andre Reed shared a similar sentiment,tweeting, “Through misty eyes,I SEE CLEARLY what @nfl does 4 people like #PanchoBilla. Football is more then a game, it’s FAMILY. The loss of this #BillsMafia member hurts, but we must keep his legacy alive.”
AGoFundMe pagestarted in 2017 after Castro’s cancer diagnosis had raised more than $56,000 for his family members as of Wednesday.
source: people.com
