Montreal Alouettes veteran Dahrran Diedrick dies at 44

Montreal Alouettes veteran Dahrran Diedrick has died at the age of 44. Diedrick had been battling cancer for several years, and complications related to his illness led to his death at the Toronto General Hospital shortly after 2 a.m., Saturday, while surrounded by family and friends.

Montreal Alouettes veteran Dahrran Diedrick has died at the age of 44. 

As a running back with the Alouettes from 2006 to 2013, Diedrick won two Grey Cups with the team in 2009 and 2010. He briefly returned to the team in 2014. 

Diedrick had also been battling cancer for several years, and complications related to his illness led to his death at the Toronto General Hospital shortly after 2 a.m., Saturday, while surrounded by family and friends. 

In 130 career CFL games, he covered 872 yards and landed six touchdowns on 179 carries.  

Diedrick's family sent CTV News a statement shortly after his death was announced describing his "resilience" and ability to "overcome adversity:"

"It was not only the touch-downs that Dahrran Diedrick was known for, but also his ability to connect with people, his affectionate love for his children, mother, family and girlfriend.

Dahrran always saw the best in people; he portrayed love, kindness and affection regardless of the individual.