Zeke Upshaw collapsed on the court with under a minute remaining in the Grand Rapids Drive’s (Detroit Pistons affiliate) NBA G League game on Saturday night, and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
On Monday, Upshaw died at the age of 26.
The Drive released a statement from Zeke’s mother, Jewel, in which she said, “After continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health, Zeke made his transition at 11:16 am.”
Statement from Jewel Upshaw, Zeke's mother: “After continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health, Zeke made his transition at 11:16 am. To family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans & confidants, thank you for your prayers and support during this most difficult time. pic.twitter.com/1AutFtIFwU
— Grand Rapids Gold (@NBAGrandRapids) March 26, 2018
Jewel Upshaw (continued): "Details of his memorial will be announced at a later date. We’d like to thank the many doctors and nurses at Spectrum Health for their efforts in caring for our son. We’d also like to thank the Drive for the support they have extended to our family.” pic.twitter.com/sSLsWvfTny
— Grand Rapids Gold (@NBAGrandRapids) March 26, 2018
The Drive also released a statement from the organization:
Statement from the Drive: "The Drive family is mourning the tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw. He had a warm personality and was a tremendous representative of our organization both on and off the court. Our thoughts are with all of Zeke’s family and friends during this difficult time." pic.twitter.com/FxQtaJoqbG
— Grand Rapids Gold (@NBAGrandRapids) March 26, 2018
“The Drive family is mourning the tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw. He had a warm personality and was a tremendous representative of our organization both on and off the court. Our thoughts are with all of Zeke’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Upshaw averaged 8.5 points per game for the Rapids this season. He played three seasons at Illinois State, before transferring to Hofstra for his senior season and averaging 19.8 points per game.
Hofstra released a statement from head coach Joe Mihalich on the tragic news:
“Our hearts hurt with the passing of Zeke,” commented Hofstra Head Men’s Basketball Coach Joe Mihalich. “Zeke was one of the kindest and hardest-working student-athletes I have had the privilege to coach. Zeke laid the groundwork for the success we are having now and we will never forget the impact he had on Hofstra Basketball. Our entire program is heartbroken that he is no longer with us but his influence will continue to be felt throughout the Pride family. His story of perseverance was an amazing one and I can’t believe the world won’t get to see the next chapter. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
