‘No Longer Trapped in a Body Ravaged by DIPG’: Former Upper St. Clair Lacrosse Player Sam Levine, 19, Remembered by Grieving Parents Steve And Kara

Sam was diagnosed with DIPG on May 2, 2026, just a month before he graduated from Upper St. Clair High School.

December 18, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 18, 2026

A former high school lacrosse player, Samuel Levine, affectionately known as Sam, passed away in sleep on December 16, 2026, after a courageous 19-month fight with DIPG at a young age of 19, surrounded by loved ones.

Reportedly, Sam was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor named DIPG on May 2, 2026, just a month before he graduated from Upper St. Clair High School.

Despite this aggressive and rare cancer, Sam constantly showed his incredible courage, strength, and grace.

Sam is survived by his parents, Steve and Kara Levine, and his twin sister, Leah Levine.

His father, Steve, shared the tragic news via his Facebook writing, “We are grief-stricken and heartbroken, but we are grateful that he is no longer trapped in his body that had become ravaged by this horrible disease.“

Similarly, he also expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported Sam and his family during this journey, writing:

Thank you for taking this journey with us. As awful as this has been, there have been many bright spots along the way, especially the support of our family, friends, and all of our various communities. We are forever #SamStrong.

He also leaves his grandparents, Rosalind and Farrel Levine, Michael and Pamela Levinson, and Suzanne and Carl Zittrer.

Born on April 11, 2006, Sam was on the lacrosse team at Upper St. Clair High School, where he played as a midfielder.

You May Read: Central Bucks East High School Varsity Lacrosse Player Frankie Pacitti Passed Away, Leaving Parents Shattered!

Besides lacrosse, he also liked football, basketball, and other sports. In fact, since his early days, Sam had a real passion for sports; he enjoyed watching games and playing them whenever he could.

Originally, Sam had planned to attend Ohio State University on a scholarship after graduating from high school.

However, after the news of his diagnosis, he chose the University of Pittsburgh instead. That decision came from his longtime love for Pitt that started when he was a young child.

Throughout his illness, Sam showed incredible courage. Even during the hardest times, he stayed thoughtful and, above all, inspired many and raised awareness about DIPG.

In 2026, he was honored as the warrior for the Joey Fabus Superhero Run Over DIPG, a 5K run and 1-mile walk event. That race remembered Joey Fabus, a young boy who also battled the same cancer years earlier.

Posts from the event organizers highlighted Sam’s bravery as he started radiation and clinical trials shortly after his diagnosis in May 2026.

Halid Selig praised Sam’s courage, writing:

I absolutely adore the Levine family! Please help show your support and love, come on out to the 2026 Joey Fabus Superhero Run Over DIPG 5K run and 1 Mile walk this Sunday. We’ll be honoring Joey Fabus, and supporting this year’s DIPG warrior, Sam Levine, who’s team “Sam Strong” is already over 230 people!!

Likewise, in 2026, the race marked its 10th anniversary and honored Sam again alongside another child fighting DIPG.

Many people and communities showed support and came together to help the Levine family with expenses through fundraisers.

The way Sam faced everything inspired those close to him, and they admired how he continued to live with love despite the challenges.

Reportedly, a visitation is arranged on December 19, 2026, at 12 p.m, followed by the service at 1:00 pm, both at Temple Emanuel of the South Hills on Bower Hill Road in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

Burial is scheduled at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. People can also virtually join the service through a Zoom link.

Shiva gatherings are arranged for Saturday evening, December 20, 2026, and on Sunday, December 21, 2026, at the family home on Hathaway Lane.

In place of flowers, the family suggested donations to the ChadTough Foundation, which supports research into DIPG and helps families affected by it.

During this challenging time, we pray for the strength of Sam’s parents, sister, friends, and extended family.

Rest In Heavenly Peace, Sam Levine!

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Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

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