Former San Francisco 49ers star and North Carolina native Dwight Clark has died after a battle with ALS. He was 61.
Clark, an NFL receiver, grew up in Charlotte and played for Garinger High School. He attended Clemson University after leaving Garinger.
Clark went on to play nine seasons with the 49ers. He won two Super Bowls with the team and is remembered for his iconic catch, dubbed "The Catch," on a Joe Montana pass in the 1981 NFC Championship Game that gave the 49ers a 28-27 lead, sending them on to the Super Bowl.
Clark ranks third in 49ers franchise history with 6,750 receiving yards and seventh in franchise history with 48 receiving touchdowns.
His wife, Kelly Clark, said he passed peacefully.
"I’m heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband," Clark wrote on her husband's Twitter account. "He passed peacefully surrounded by many of the people he loved most. I am thankful for all of Dwight’s friends, teammates and 49ers fans who have sent their love during his battle with ALS."