Teen Dies After Courageous Cancer Battle | DCH Responds To Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Good morning, neighbors. Here's a look at the biggest headlines from around Tuscaloosa.

In today's Daily, we have these stories and more ...

• Remembering Will Roberts.
• More on lawsuit involving slain DCH nurse.
• Big grant for UA program.

First, a look at today's weather: Hot with chance of rain later in the day. High: 90 | Low: 76 🌞

🗣Patch Shout Out 🗣

Our Shout Out for this Thursday morning goes to the newest four-legged deputy at the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, K9 Nellie Mae. She is a Texas Blue Lacy who was officially sworn in this week as the newest member of the force. (More)

👏 Thanks to our sponsors 👏

Our mission to bring quality, independent journalism to Tuscaloosa would not be possible without the support of our friends at DCH Health System, United Way of West Alabama, Strange Brew Coffeehouse, Right Space Commericialand BankFirst. Interested in becoming a local Tuscaloosa Patch sponsor? Please email me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.

🗞 Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa

1. Beloved Tuscaloosa County Teen Dies After Inspirational Battle With Cancer: The community woke up Thursday to mourn the death of local teen Will Roberts, who died early this morning after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
2. DCH Responds To Wrongful Death Lawsuit Involving Slain Nurse: DCH Health Care Authority has formally responded to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of slain nurse Ada Doss. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
3. Shelton State Officials Praise NCAA Transfer Reform For JUCO Athletes: Shelton State Community College athletic officials are praising recent reforms that could soon provide junior college student-athletes an easier path to NCAA Division I programs. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
4. UA Receives $4M Grant For Book Arts Program Scholarships: The Windgate Foundation has awarded a $4 million grant to the University of Alabama to expand scholarship opportunities for graduate students in its book arts program. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
5. Stillman College welcomes Japanese exchange students through sister city partnership: Stillman College this week welcomed a group of Japanese students through the Tuscaloosa-Narashino Sister City Exchange, giving them an opportunity to experience American college life and history of one of Alabama's historically Black colleges. (Sarah Murph, WVUA 23 News)

📅 Today In T-Town 📅

• District 1 Town Hall Meeting with Northport Councilman Turnley Smith (5:30 p.m.)
• Current Situation @ The Sanctuary on 25th (6 p.m.)
• Tuscaloosa Republican Party Monthly Meeting (6:30 p.m.)
• Big Fish: A New Broadway Musical (7:30 p.m.)
• Jugtones @ Nocturnal Tavern (8 p.m.)

5️⃣ Other Stories I'm Reading Today

1. West Alabama hospital sees slight increase in heat related illnesses (Bryan Henry, WBRC Fox 6 News)
2. Alabama endures major roster turnover from 2025 (Kevin McNulty, CBS 42 News)
3. Ivey Creates Commission to Study Screen Time in Alabama Classrooms (ABC 33/40)
4. What Kalen DeBoer Learned from Last Season (Katie Windham, Bama Central)
5. Everything Alabama DB Bray Hubbard said at 2026 SEC Media Days (Charlie Potter, BamaOnline)

🕊 Obituaries 🕊

*Our obituary section is generously sponsored by our friends at Dorroh & Mills, P.C.

Paula Jeanne Plummer, 58, of Tuscaloosa (Magnolia Chapel)

Danny Pate, 74, of Tuscaloosa (Memory Chapel)

Emma Jean Rodgers, 66, of Fayette (Nelson Funeral Home)

Terry Layne Koon, 72, of Gordo (Skelton Funeral Home)

Tina Nuspl, 48, of Tuscaloosa (Sunset Funeral Home)

Bobbie Lee Wiley Langham, 82, of Cottondale (Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel)

Now you're in the loop about what's happening today.

Thanks for reading and we'll see you in your inbox next time! And if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch!

- RP