Brody Stephens, Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry and Brody Stephens pose at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Instagram / Golden State Warriors official

Brody Stephens, the eight-year-old boy from Indiana who befriended Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry among other athletes, passed away Saturday after a year-long fight with leukaemia. After beating leukaemia twice since his birth, Stephens died Saturday due to a viral complication.

Last month, the Warriors organisation flew Brody to California to serve as a ball boy, while also letting him attend a team's shoot around session and a press conference with coach Steve Kerr. Warriors stars Draymond Green and Kevin Durant both wear bracelets that read "Brody Strong". Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Kyrie Irving also sent some signed gear to Brody in the hospital.

In November, Curry made a surprise visit to meet Brody at the Riley Hospital for Children. On Monday, Curry said that Brody served as an inspiration to him and his teammates. "I'm glad I got to meet him, spend some time with him. Hopefully bring a little joy for him and his family these past few months," the two-time MVP said, via The Associated Press.

Who is Brody Stephens? The kid that bonded with the Warriors

Brody was also featured on an episode of ESPN SportsCenter and recognised during an Indiana Pacers game. The NFL and the Indianapolis Colts also went to great lengths to honour the life of the eight-year-old. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, tight end Jack Doyle and coach Chuck Pagano visited Brody on several occasions. Luck said in December that he “was struck by how much vivacity and spirit (Brody) had in his interactions with me, with everybody. His personality was huge. You felt like you wanted to sit there and talk to him forever.”

According to Indy Star, Brody defeated cancer on two occasions but his demise was caused to a viral complication. Jason, Brody's father, said: "It was a viral complication, not leukaemia! That (news) is important to (Brody's mother) Celia and I as he will always be two wins and 0 losses against leukaemia!"

In December, popular sports broadcaster Craig Sager lost his three-year battle with leukaemia. To honour his legacy, NBA players wore "Sager Strong" shirts during pre-game warm-ups.