Jason Collins’ family announces sad news about pioneering NBA player
Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in NBA history who played 13 seasons in the league, died May 12 per a family announcement. He was 47. Collins had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” read a statement from Collins’ family. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses.
Our family will miss him. ” MORE: Grizzlies forward, seven-year NBA veteran, dies suddenly at 29 More to come on this story.