NBA G-League Player Dies Days After Collapsing During Game

NBA G-League Player Dies Days After Collapsing During Game
(Michael Gil via Wikimedia Commons)
Jack Phillips
3/26/2018
Updated:
3/26/2018

Zeke Upshaw, an NBA G-league player, died at the age of 26 just days after he collapsed on the court during a game.

Upshaw, who played for the Detroit Pistons affiliate, Grand Rapids Drive, collapsed during the fourth quarter of a game against the Long Island Nets. He reportedly went into cardiac arrest.

“After continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health, Zeke made his transition at 11:16 a.m. To family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans, and confidants, thank you for all your prayers and support during this most difficult time,” his mother, Jewel Upshaw, told MLive.

She added: “We ask that you respect our privacy at this time. Details of his memorial will be announced at a later date. We‘d like to thank the many doctors and nurses at Spectrum Health for their efforts in caring for our son. We’d also like to thank the Grand Rapids Drive for the support they have extended to our family.”

After collapsing, he was taken to a hospital and remained in critical condition until he died on Monday, TMZ reported.

“The entire Grand Rapids Drive family is mourning the tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw,” said Steve Jbara, who is the owner of the Grand Rapids Drive. “Zeke had a warm personality and was a tremendous representative of our organization both on and off the court. Grand Rapids was fortunate to be the benefactor of two seasons of Zeke’s commitment to the youth and non-profits within our community. Our thoughts are with all of Zeke’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

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Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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