Basketball news 2024: Former NBA player Janis Timma dies aged 32
The basketball world is mourning the passing of Latvian basketball star and former NBA player Janis Timma, who has died aged 32.
Timma, a small forward or shooting guard was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 60th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.
He also spent time playing in the NBA Summer League and a brief stint with the Lakeland Magic in the NBA G League — an Orlando Magic affiliate.
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Reports from Europe state he fell from a Moscow apartment complex on his ex-wife's birthday.
It's understood he was discovered in the stairway entrance of the high-rise building. The preliminary cause of the athlete's death has been ruled as suicide.
A phone with a message from his ex-wife was reportedly found next to him when the body was recovered, local media reports.
Janis Timma #62 of the Orlando Magic. Getty
The couple, married in 2020, but filed for divorce earlier this year. A final Instagram post from Timma in the days leading up to the tragedy has since emerged.
The short video showed himself in the pouring rain shooting jump shots.
His ex-wife Anna Sedokova posted an an emotional message on Instagram, asking her followers to keep the news of Timma's suicide "to themselves" to protect her son.
"I beg you very much," said the actor and singer from Ukraine.
"I've wondered my whole life how people who have something like this happen to them can still post stories and now, I'm asking you very strongly - I have a child, he's small, he doesn't need to know any of this.
"I just have to save my child from this information. If you can, please keep it to yourself."
Timma also played in Europe. NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics star centre and NBA Champion Kristaps Porzingis released a statement over the death of his former Latvian national teammate.
"Oh nooo, please tell me it's not true," Porzingis wrote.
"Human connection is the cornerstone of our mental health. Please, let's look after one another. Rest in peace, JT."
The Orlando Magic also released a statement.
"We are saddened to learn of the tragic death of Janis Timma, who was a member of Orlando's Summer League team in 2021 and spent time with Lakeland (now Osceola) of the NBA G League in 2021-22," the Magic said.
"Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and all that were close to him."
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