Nathan Barrett, the younger brother of Toronto Raptors star RJ Barrett died Tuesday.
Nathan’s age and cause of death have not been released, but a statement said he was surrounded by family, friends and members of his church.
The notice was released Thursday in a statement released to X by the Toronto Raptors and Canada Basketball (Rowan Barrett – RJ and Nathan’s father – is the general manager of Canada Basketball) on behalf of the Barrett family.
My deepest condolences to RJ Barrett and his family. pic.twitter.com/N0iKAZhPVU
–Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) March 14, 2024
“While our family is devastated by this great loss, we will continue to cherish the memories and time spent together. Nathan was a strong-willed, God-fearing young man. He was caring, kind, loving, compassionate, creative, admirable and motivated,” the statement said.
“During this difficult time, our family would like to request privacy but greatly appreciate the outpouring of love and prayers we are receiving. Although his stay with us was brief, he will live forever in our hearts.
RJ Barrett, 23, is from Mississauga. He was drafted as the third overall pick in 2019 by the New York Knicks out of Duke University and was traded to the Raptors in December 2019. This season, Barrett averaged 19.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3, 2 assists per match.
Chris Stewart, Barrett’s former coach with the Mississauga Monarchs, confirmed the tragic news Thursday in a post on Instagram.
“On March 12, the extended Monarch family lost another member @thenathanbarrett[.] It’s hard to believe this is the second time this has happened to my family and my basketball community,” he wrote, adding that Nathan was only with them for a short time in 7th grade before moving to Florida, but whenever he visited Mississauga, the boys connected.
“If you’ve had the pleasure of knowing this family, you know how much they do for the basketball community, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. No parent should ever have to bury a child. Hug your children today a little longer. We will miss you Nathan, RIP.
RJ did not play in Toronto’s 113-104 loss to the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday. It is not yet known whether he will play in tonight’s home game against the Orlando Magic.
