After devoted Ohio State supporter Tom Adelsberg passed away on Wednesday night, tributes began to stream in.
Adelsberg’s brother Jeff shared the news on social media this week. Adelsberg was a renowned fan among the online Buckeye community. No reason for the death was stated.
Jeff wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “My brother Tom passed away last night. It seems like many of the buckeye and Michigan twitter crews already know.”
A week and a day after my older brother’s death the previous week. He genuinely enjoyed teasing with all of you and loved you all. For him, please, keep this going.
Adelsberg was a resident at Ohio State and a 1992 graduate of the university.
On social media, he was well-liked and well-known by Ohio State and Michigan supporters, and many paid respect to him as soon as word of his passing spread.
One fan said, “RIP Tom, the #9 trending topic in the entire country right now.” “I hope that Tom Adelsberg’s family sees that and realizes how highly regarded he was by so many people—even complete strangers who were only familiar with him on Twitter.”
Another said, “We lost a really good person yesterday.” Tom was consistently a shining beacon on a dimly lit app. Tom Adelsberg, rest in peace.
We are sorry to hear of Tom’s loss, a fan account stated, adding that it was fortunate to have known Adelsberg. Tom loved our University Buckeye Nation, and those of us who were fortunate enough to know him over the years will always remember him. Please remember the Adelsberg family in your prayers.
“Sad news.” Tragic news for the Adelsberg family—Tom was a wonderful man, and I would have delighted to have had a drink and chewed it up with him,” a supporter commented.
Not only did Ohio State supporters pay respect to Adelsberg, but Michigan supporters also set aside their rivalry to do so.
‘If you knew Tom Adelsberg on here, you had the pleasure of witnessing one of the sweetest individuals with the finest sense of humor and biggest heart,’ wrote one person in a lengthy comment. He demonstrated that it was possible to have rivalry while still having fun and staying within social boundaries.
Some of you may have noticed my Photoshops of him sporting Michigan stuff; he laughed hysterically and accepted it. He thought it would also make people chuckle, on both sides of Michigan and Ohio State. When he shared his real-life images online, he would even invite it.
Although we never really met, we had arranged to get together for cocktails when he was in the neighborhood. I regret that it will never occur.
He told me how much of a fan I was of him, but I told him that I was actually a far larger fan. I’m going to respect his memory by carrying on with my usual duties here, which are to make sports fans like me and maintain decorum. Life is too valuable and fleeting to treat others cruelly or poorly on this platform. I shall really, really miss my guy Tom. Peace be with you, brother. Go Blue and Go Bucks!
As one expressed their own tribute, another made it plain that Adelsberg’s passing took precedence over the collegiate rivalry.
