Latvian Basketball Star Janis Timma Dies at 32
The Orlando Magic has announced the sad passing of 32-year-old Latvian basketball star Janis Timma, who briefly played in the NBA Summer League with the team. According to multiple reports, Timma died by suicide in Moscow.
“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 2021-2022,” the Magic said in a statement. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and all that were close to him.”
Timma, who was selected in the second round of the NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2013, never got to appear in a regular-season NBA game. He played in various leagues around the world, including Latvia, Russia, Greece, Puerto Rico, Turkey, and Spain.
The news has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, with Olympiacos, a team he played for in Greece, releasing a statement saying, “We are all shocked and saddened to learn the tragic news, that our former player, Janis Timma has passed away at the age of 32. We will always remember him for his kind heart and his smile. Wishing to his family and his loved ones strength and peace during this time of grief. Jani, May You Find Eternal Peace. You will be missed.”
Timma’s ex-wife, Anna Sedokova, has also spoken out about his death, sharing her concerns about her child learning about his passing and begging fans not to share any details or stories about his death.