Former university basketball player dies at 24 after battling cancer

Walt McGrory. Photos and videos: Instagram @waltmcgrory
Walt McGrory. Photos and videos: Instagram @waltmcgrory

The former Wisconsin basketball player Walt McGrory, 24 years old, passed away this Saturday after battling a rare pediatric bone cancer.

+ What is osteosarcoma cancer?
“His soul was released to continue his great mission – to live and help others live full and healthy lives,” was announced on his Instagram account on Monday.

+ Click to view some of Walt McGrory’s posts on Instagram

The point guard played in 37 games for the Badgers from 2017 to 2021 and was twice an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

He announced plans to transfer to South Dakota in April 2021 but was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

McGrory posted updates about his cancer journey on his Instagram page, often taking photos and videos during his treatments.

Walt McGrory. Photos and videos: Instagram @waltmcgrory
Walt McGrory. Photos and videos: Instagram @waltmcgrory




In July 2022, McGrory said the osteosarcoma, once in remission, had returned and spread throughout his body.

“Put it out there for the world, the universe, I guess – that you want to keep on living, you know? You do what it takes to keep going,” he said, adding, “That makes me much stronger than I would be alone.”

He leaves behind his parents, Matthew and Jean, and his sister Mary Claire, who played basketball at Creighton.

Photos and videos: Instagram @waltmcgrory

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