RJ Barrett’s younger brother Nathan “fell ill and was at home for several weeks” before his shock death at the age of 19, according to a new report.
No cause of death has yet been revealed for the teenager, who was training to be a pilot alongside his amateur basketball career.
RJ – four years his senior – was absent from Toronto Raptors for “personal reasons” since Wednesday as he and his family continue to grieve.
According to Michael Grange of SportsnetNathan “fell ill” weeks before his death and was at home with his family before his death on Tuesday.
In a statement shared by the Toronto Raptors and Canada Basketball on behalf of the Barrett family, it was revealed that Nathan died “surrounded by his family, his church and his friends”.
Nathan Barrett (right, pictured alongside his NBA star brother RJ) was ill weeks before his death
Former coach Chris Stewart wrote a heartfelt tribute to Nathan on Instagram following his death
NBA star RJ played in the Raptors’ loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday, but has since missed games against the Pistons and Magic, and is also expected to be out for another game against Orlando on Sunday.
There is no timetable for his return as his family continues to mourn his tragic loss.
News of Nathan’s death was first announced online on Thursday when his former youth coach Chris Stewart paid an emotional tribute to him.
Stewart coached RJ and Nathan Barrett for the Mississauga Monarchs in their native Canada.
Barrett expected to miss his fourth straight game tonight as his family continues to grieve
Barrett played Monday, just a day before his younger brother Nathan, 19, died.
“On March 12, the Monarch extended family lost another member, Nathan Barrett,” Stewart wrote on Instagram. “It’s hard to believe this is the second time this has happened to my family and my basketball community.
“Nathan only stayed with us for a short time in 7th grade before moving to Floridabut every time he came back to Mississauga, the boys would hook up.
“I saw Nathan last summer, all tall, with a big smile and he was excited to tell me about how he was starting school to become a pilot. I always tell my former players that if you were on my team for even one season, you will always be my family and don’t forget that.
“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. Kiss your children today a little longer. Nathan, we will miss you, RIP.’
