Skaggs dies after being diagnosed with cancerous brain tumor

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Blaze receiver/linebacker Justin Skaggs died Friday, one day after emergency brain surgery. Skaggs, recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, had surgery Thursday to relieve swelling after he complained about a severe headache, Blaze spokesman Tom Goodhines said. The 28-year-old Skaggs remained unconscious and on a respirator after the surgery. His family traveled from Missouri and was with him when he was pronounced dead Friday afternoon at University Hospital, the team said. "Justin will forever be a member of this team and a member of the Blaze family and he will be deeply missed by all," Blaze owner John Gaff said in a statement. Skaggs was in his third season in the Arena Football League and second with the Blaze. He also played in NFL Europe and appeared in one game for the Washington Redskins in 2002. Skaggs' last game with the Blaze was May 25 when he had three tackles against Orlando. He caught 21 passes for 196 yards and four touchdowns this season. Skaggs scored 17 touchdowns, four by rushing, in 2006. A memorial service was scheduled for Monday at EnergySolutions Arena. The Wentzville, Mo., native played at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. "Justin Skaggs was a true ironman who played on each side of the ball with equal passion and veracity," Arena Football League commissioner David Baker said.