JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — Johnstown sports legend, Carlton Haselrig is being remembered by his friends and family after passing in July. After his death, his family honored his request to have his brain donated for CTE research.
Carlton Haselrig was married to his wife, Michelle Haselrig for 20 years before his death in July. He’s well-known across the region as the most decorated athlete in Pitt-Johnstown history and a former lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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“He never ever wanted to be the star that he became. He just wanted to be Carlton Haselrig from Johnstown, Pennsylvania. A family man, a husband, a dad,” said Michelle.
After decades of playing contact sports, Carlton made the decision to be a part of CTE research. CTE is short for chronic traumatic encephalopathy which is a disease found in the brain of a person with history of brain trauma. CTE can only be detected after death and there is no cure. Carlton’s brain was donated to Boston University where he had undergone previous testing through their CTE center before he passed.
“We did talk about the CTE and Boston and he really truly wanted this. He wants to help everybody to find a cure. To see what’s going on,” said Michelle. “And I think with Carlton for some reason because he’s just awesome or he’s just the type of person who beats odds but he’s going to break this and I believe it,” she added.
Donating his brain gives scientists and doctors an opportunity to better understand the long-term effects of head traumas, especially the correlation between CTE and football players. But Michelle hopes Carlton’s legacy is about more than his athletic ability.
“Well, I know they are going to remember him as Pittsburgh Steeler or six-time NCAA wrestling champion. But I’m begging you to remember him as Carlton the human, Carlton a man, strong man, who loved Johnstown, he loved everybody and he will truly be missed,” said Michelle.
Learn more about Boston University’s CTE research by visiting the university’s website.
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