Dan Johnson, a lifelong Syracuse sports fan, died Friday night at the age of 68.

Johnson, who is responsible for implementing the Ernie Davis statue outside the Carrier Dome, had two major surgeries in March to remove his colon and repair two hernias, the Post-Standard reported. He had another surgery in June before passing away just three weeks later. 

He never attended Syracuse, but grew up on Durston Avenue, and lived in the city his whole life, The Post-Standard reported. He is survived by his wife Diane of nearly 44 years, and their children Kelly and Brian. 

Johnson wrote for SyracuseFan.com under the name Orangeyes. He also led the charge to get Davis’ statue put up, noting in an interview with the Post-Standard’s Mike Waters that he was upset it took so long to happen. 

He was a beloved member of the Syracuse sports community. And in many ways his fandom earned him celebrity status. 

During his hospital stay, he was visited football head coach Scott Shafer along with quarterback Terrel Hunt, men’s basketball assistant coach Mike Hopkins and several other athletes, according to The Post-Standard.

Here is how people reacted to Johnson’s passing on Twitter:

Published on July 12, 2014 at 2:34 pm

Contact Sam: sblum@syr.edu | @SamBlum3