Mike Gminski's Fiance Passes Away

We were very sad to hear Sunday that Mike Gminski's fiancé  had died. We don't know any details other than she died quite young (32).

We found out via Twitter and not surprisingly, given the nature of the Duke-UNC rivalry, we heard it first from a UNC source.

Given the outpouring of genuine respect for Smith from Duke partisans, it doesn't surprise us to see UNC fans posting best wishes for G-man. What we have here is very different than what Alabama-Auburn is, or Michigan Ohio State.  Both deaths are sorrowful, but the reactions of the fans of both schools have been - well, you couldn't ask for anything more really.

Our deepest condolences to the big guy. Since he showed up at Duke as a 16-year-old phenom, Gminski has exuded character and dignity. We're so sorry that this has happened to him.

The outpouring of kindness this week has been truly exceptional and inspiring.

It won't get ugly, but anyone who thinks it goes on past a moment of silence on Wednesday is nuts. No one would've understood better than Smith.

It's not war, it's not even the little brother of war, but it is an intense emotional experience and bonding with a group.

When the ball goes up, at least for a couple of hours, the tribes will go to their respective corners and like the teams, come out swinging.

Well not literally, but you know what we mean.

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