The Cleveland, Tennessee, community mourns the loss of 18-year-old former Bradley Knight football player Luke Stepp, who died on October 26, 2025, during surgery for injuries from a dirt bike accident.
Luke was born to parents Robin and Greg Stepp. He grew up in Cleveland and attended Bradley Central High School.
There, he played on the Boys Varsity football team as a wide receiver and outside linebacker, wearing jersey #82. He was also a former athlete with the Bradley Knights youth program.
Luke excelled in multiple sports. With the Bradley Knights, he played tackle football, ran cross country, and even tried baseball. The organization remembered him fondly in their announcement.
The Bradley Knights wrote earlier when Luke was injured:
“Knights family, prayers are needed for this young man, Luke Stepp, a former Bradley Knights athlete, has had a serious accident and is about to go into his second surgery.”
Via Facebook
Tragically, the update came the next day. The statement read:
Beyond football, Luke studied martial arts and took homeschool classes.
He recently graduated from high school and returned to coach with the CSTHEA Patriots football team.
He was one of their first seniors to graduate and came back as an alumnus to help on the sidelines.
The News of Luke Stepp’s Death Spread Quickly as Friends, Coaches, and Family Shared Heartfelt Messages Online
AD CSTHEA, from the Patriots team, wrote a moving tribute.
Tara Waldrop, Luke’s former children’s minister, shared her grief.
“My heart is broken. I am thankful for the promise of heaven to all who receive His free gift of salvation. This is assurance I will see Luke again. Greg and Robin Ward Stepp, I am so sorry. I loved Luke. It was a blessing to have been his children’s minister. As I sit here and the rain falls, so do my tears. I love y’all and am praying for you both.”
Via Facebook
She added a reminder to others.
“Friends, tell others you love them often. Make sure they know if they accept Jesus in their heart, believe He is the Savior of the world, the one true God, and confess, they too can spend eternity with Him. The comfort in death is knowing I will see him again. Hold tight those you love because we are not promised tomorrow.”
Via Facebook
Mike McClung, a family member, asked for prayers.
“I’m asking for prayer for my first cousin, Robin Stepp, and her husband Greg. Their son, Luke, had a dirt bike accident yesterday, and he passed away while undergoing surgery for the massive trauma to his body. Luke was just 18 years old and had just recently graduated from high school. He did know the Lord and is with Him now, but the loss of an only child is beyond devastating.”
Via Facebook
Holly Meyer Long called Luke family.
“Luke Stepp is loved and will be greatly missed by many. He was a constant smile and always a sparkle in his eyes. Luke is family and we have the hope and the promise that one day we will be reunited with him. He loved God, he loved his family, and he loved his friends. He had a servant’s heart. Please friends, pray for the Stepp family.”
Via Facebook
Even youth groups remembered him. East Cleveland Baptist Teens shared a photo from summer camp.
“For those of you having a hard time remembering Luke, he is in this photo from camp this year. He is standing in front of Bro. Mike and behind Colton.”
Via Facebook
The community will say goodbye to Luke on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Services will be held at The Chapel Church in Cleveland. Visitation runs from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The funeral service begins at 3 p.m. Burial will follow immediately at Morris Chapel Cemetery.
Luke leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and athletic spirit. He touched many lives in his short 18 years.
His smile, his servant’s heart, and his love for others will not be forgotten. The outpouring of support shows how deeply he was loved.
The Cleveland area grieves together, holding the Stepp family close in prayer during this unimaginable time.
