Sept. 12, 1999 – Twenty-one years ago, Charlotte mourned the loss of one of its most inspirational figures when Charles Hayward passed away after his courageous battle with leukemia. Hayward’s legacy and impact on the 49ers program continues to this day.
Charles Hayward fought the greatest battle. Facing leukemia just prior to his freshman season in 1997, Hayward stared it down to live his dream of playing college basketball. He worked like none other to return to top physical shape after being weakened by the chemotherapy that sent his leukemia into remission.