The basketball community is in mourning following the tragic death of Janis Timma. The Latvian athlete was 32 years old.
According to reports from the Russian news agency TASS, Timma’s body was discovered at the entrance of a residential building in central Moscow. Emergency services confirmed the preliminary cause of death as suicide. The incident occurred early on Tuesday morning.
The sensitive nature of suicide has prompted discussions around mental health awareness, especially in the demanding world of professional sports. While the exact circumstances remain under investigation, the tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of emotional well-being and the need for support systems for athletes facing personal struggles.
Local media outlets reported that a mobile phone was found near Timma, with speculation connecting the event to attempts to reconcile with his former spouse, Anna Sedokova. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine further details.
Kristaps Porzingis, Timma’s teammate on the Latvian national team, paid tribute via X , writing, “Human connection is the cornerstone of our mental health. Please look after each other. Rest in Peace, JT.”
In Latvian, Porzingis added: “Cilvēciskā savienotība ir stūrakmens mūsu mentālajai veselībai. Lūdzu pieskatam viens otru. JT vieglas smiltis ❤”
Timma began his professional journey in 2008 after emerging from the ASK Riga youth program and making his debut with the senior team. In 2013, the Memphis Grizzlies selected him as the 60th overall pick in the NBA draft.
His rights were later transferred to the Orlando Magic, leading to his participation in the 2021 NBA Summer League and a subsequent appearance with Lakeland Magic at the 2022 FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
Timma had a storied career representing Latvia, including earning a bronze medal at the 2010 FIBA U18 European Championship. He officially joined the senior national team in 2014 and became a consistent contributor.
At the club level, Timma accumulated 96 appearances in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague while playing for Baskonia, Olympiacos, Khimki Moscow Region, and UNICS Kazan between 2017 and 2021. He also competed in seven Basketball Champions League games for Darussafaka Lassa at the start of the 2023-2024 season.
Additional international club experience included 38 games in the 7DAYS EuroCup with VEF Riga and Zenit Saint Petersburg, as well as 24 matches in the EuroChallenge while representing BK Ventspils.
Euroleague Basketball has announced that all games in Round 16 of the EuroLeague Regular Season and Round 12 of the BKT EuroCup Regular Season will begin with a moment of silence Tuesday and Wednesday to honor Timma’s memory.
The entire European basketball community continues to reflect on Timma’s impact both on and off the court.
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