14-Year-Old Mayfield School Football Star Dakarai Saxton Dies After Courageous Battle With Bone Cancer; Parents Chad Saxton and Ashley Williams Remember His Warm, Energetic Spirit
October 30, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 30, 2026
Dakarai Saxton, a Mayfield School student-athlete, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2026, at an untimely age of 14 with a courageous 15-month-long battle with cancer, leaving his parents and loved ones devastated.
In early 2026, , just 13 years old, began experiencing persistent shoulder pain, which the family initially attributed to “growing pains” or overexertion.
As his discomfort worsened, medical imaging, including an X-ray and MRI, revealed a mass on his shoulder.
A biopsy at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt confirmed a devastating diagnosis: Stage IV osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, with metastasis to both lungs.
Despite the severity of his condition, Saxton faced treatment with remarkable courage and a joyful spirit that endeared him to family and friends.
He immediately began chemotherapy, followed by surgery to remove the majority of the cancer in his shoulder, which required replacing his entire humerus with a donor bone, and then underwent radiation therapy.
Tragically, Dakarai took his last breath at 12:15 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, after 15 15-month-long courageous battle with cancer.
The untimely demise of Dakarai Saxton has left a profound void in the lives of his parents, Chad Saxton and Ashley Williams, and his loved ones.
His mother, Ashley Williams, shared the tragic news on her social media and wrote:
“I held him close as he left this world. My heart is completely shattered. The pain is unbearable. He was so loved by so many. My sweet boy fought so hard and was surrounded by so much love until his very last breath. I don’t know how to breathe without him. I love you forever, Dakarai Jaedon Saxton.”
Dakarai Saxton touched the lives of many with his brave and cheerful nature and his remarkable athletic journey.
His parents remember Dakarai Saxton as a “Sour Patch Kid” for his energetic, warm spirit and a strong-willed but sweet boy who was loved by all.
Late Dakarai Saxton Followed in The Footsteps of His Father, Terron ‘Chad’ Saxton, in Sports
Dakarai Saxton was a student-athlete at Mayfield School, playing football for the boys’ team, the Cardinals, and leading them to several victories.
He had recently begun his freshman year at Mayfield High School before his untimely demise.
Furthermore, Dakarai followed in his father’s footsteps in football and aimed to become a professional player.
His father, Chad Saxton, a proud 2007 graduate of Mayfield High School, played for the varsity football team.
Wearing jersey #37 and standing 5’9” tall, he played both Running Back and Linebacker for the Cardinals and led his team in several victories throughout his tenure.
Chad also played football for several local clubs in Mayfield, Kentucky. Although he didn’t pursue his athletic career professionally, Chad guided Dakarai and his siblings in their athletic journey.
While there is no information available on whether Dakarai’s mother, Ashley Williams, played sports in high school and college, she also played a significant role in his on- and off-field journey, standing by his side as a constant supporter.
Regarding Dakarai Saxton’s parents’ professions, his mother, Ashley Williams, has been serving as a client relationship consultant at U.S. Bank in Mayfield, Kentucky.
Ashley graduated from Mayfield High School and attended Murray State University. She is happily married to Dakarai’s stepfather, Demetrius Noonan Williams.
Likewise, Dakarai’s father, Terron ‘Chad’ Saxton’s display that he works at Kendorwood Inc. in Mayfield, Kentucky.
Chad was happily married to Dakarai’s stepmother, Whitney Saxton, until her untimely death on March 9, 2026, at the age of 34.
In addition to his parents, Dakarai Saxton is survived by his siblings, Ariyanna Saxton, Jacorian Saxton, Chadwick Saxton Jr., grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and the entire family.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Dakarai Saxton was born on January 18, 2011.
- His funeral and memorial services will be organized by Brown Funeral Home in Mayfield, and the details will be provided soon.
- Check other Articles on
Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.
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