Dwight Howard pays tribute to 7-year-old Rockets fan who died of brain cancer

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard used his Instagram account on Monday to post a brief, heavy-hearted tribute to a fan named James Fisher who passed away earlier in the day at the age of seven.

Fisher had been battling brain cancer.  

Here's Howard's accompanying message:

Rest in peace lil James Fisher. He passed away a couple hours ago. He was the little kid I picked up to dunk a couple of months ago during pregame warmups. He also gave me the rubber band that says James strong. He was such an inspiration to me and my teammates. I have worn the band everyday since he gave it to me and I will continue to wear this band. You are in a better place. No more pain. No more hospital visits. Just peace love and happiness. And you can dunk as many times as u want. See u in heaven James.

And below is a video of Howard lifting Fisher up for the aforementioned dunk during warmups a few months back:

- With h/t to SB Nation