RJ Barrett and his brother, Nathan.
Toronto Raptors starRJ Barrettand his family are mourning the loss of the athlete’s younger brother, Nathan.
The family said they are “devastated” and “would like to ask for privacy” in Thursday’s statement.
“During this difficult time, our family would like to ask for privacy but greatly appreciates the outpouring of love, support and prayers that we have been receiving. Though his time with us was brief, he will live forever in our hearts.”
RJ Barrett and his brother Nathan.RJ Barrett/Instagram
RJ Barrett/Instagram
A cause of death was not provided.
Raptors analyst Blake Murphyreportedthat RJ, 23, is taking time away from the team while he mourns the loss.
RJ Barrett.Dustin Bradford/Getty
Dustin Bradford/Getty
Once the trade was finalized, RJ excitedly reacted to the return to his home country on Instagram. In the caption of a photo of his Raptors jersey, hewrote, “The boy is back home.”
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At the time, Raptors president Masai Ujiri said, “RJ is a versatile wing who is, of course, well-known in his hometown, and seeing him in a Raptors uniform will be a special moment for our fans and for all Canadians.”
Nathan, meanwhile, was also an athlete in school and found success in track and field and basketball,Sportsnet reported. He was studying to be a pilot at the time of his death.
source: people.com
