Puyallup, Washington — Just 30 minutes ago, the family of South Carolina basketball star Chloe Kitts took to social media to share a deeply emotional update with followers. In a heartfelt post, they announced the passing of their beloved family dog, Mickey.

Described as more than just a pet, Mickey was a constant companion, a source of comfort, and an emotional support figure for the Kitts family through the highs and lows of Chloe’s rising basketball journey. The news has sent a wave of sympathy through fans and supporters, many of whom followed Mickey’s appearances in Chloe’s Instagram stories and family posts over the years.

“It’s hard to put into words what Mickey meant to us,” one family member wrote. “He was our joy, our protector, and truly a member of our family. Our hearts are broken.”

Though the circumstances surrounding Mickey’s passing were not detailed, the tone of the message made clear the depth of the family’s grief.

Fans, friends, and fellow athletes quickly flooded the comments with condolences and messages of love, many sharing their own stories of pet loss and how much it meant to have someone like Mickey during life’s toughest moments.

Chloe Kitts, known for her poise on the court and humility off it, has yet to make a personal statement, but her repost of the family’s tribute with a simple broken heart emoji said more than words could.

As the basketball community rallies around the Kitts family, one thing is clear: Mickey left paw prints not only on their hearts, but on all those who came to know him through their story.