MANILA, Philippines – Latvian basketball player Janis Timma was found dead in Moscow, Russia, from an apparent suicide, according to reports. He was 32.
REN TV reported that Timma’s lifeless body was found near a hotel in the central part of the capital city.
Multiple reports also added that a phone, which bore a text message from ex-wife Anna Sedokova, a famous Ukranian singer, went unreplied.
The couple’s divorce was reportedly finalized last December 9, with Timma reportedly posting on social media about his struggles during the divorce process.
Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis also expressed grief after learning of the news.
“Human connection is the cornerstone of our mental health. Please look after each other,” said the 2024 NBA champion center on X.
cilvēciskā savienotība ir stūrakmens mūsu mentālajai veselībai. lūdzu pieskatam viens otru. JT vieglas smiltis ❤️@janis_timma
— Kristaps Porzingis (@kporzee) December 17, 2024
Timma, who had been a member of the Latvian national team since 2008, was one of those who played against Gilas Pilipinas during the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga.
He scored 3 points and had 2 rebounds in 11 minutes of action in Gilas’ 89-80 win against Latvia, which was the first win of the Philippines against any European country in FIBA play since the 1960 Rome Olympics.
Timma was drafted 60th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies and had his draft rights traded in 2015 to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Luke Ridnour.
He played for the Magic’s Summer League team in 2021 as well, drawing attention on social media for his unique looks. – Rappler.com
Are you experiencing distress, suicidal thoughts, or thinking of harming yourself? The Department of Health, through the National Center for Mental Health, has a national crisis hotline. Call 1553, which is a Luzon-wide, toll-free landline number; 0917-899-8727 and 0966-351-4518 (Globe and TM); and 0908-639-2672 (Smart and Sun).