Latvian basketball player Janis Timma has tragically passed away after reportedly falling from an apartment building in Moscow.
The 32-year-old, known for his successful career with teams like Zenit Saint Petersburg and Olympiacos, was found in the stairwell of a residential building, according to local reports.
A Heartbreaking Discovery on a Significant Day
The timing of Timma’s death is even more poignant, as it occurred on the birthday of his ex-wife, Ukrainian singer and actress Anna Sedokova.
It has been reported that a phone with a message from Sedokova was found beside Timma when his body was discovered on Monday.
Cause of Death and Recent Events
Initial investigations suggest that Timma’s death was a suicide.
The couple, married in 2020, had filed for divorce earlier this year.
Sedokova shared an emotional message on Instagram, expressing her devastation over his passing.
A Talented Career Cut Short
Timma, standing at 6ft 7in, was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies as the 60th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft.
He later moved to the Orlando Magic, even making an appearance at the 2021 NBA Summer League.
On the international stage, Timma represented Latvia in 35 games, scoring 338 points, and was part of the team that won a bronze medal at the 2010 FIBA U18 European Championship.
Controversy and Criticism
Recently, Timma faced backlash for choosing to play professionally in Russia, despite the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
His decision marked the end of his international career, as Latvian athletes are banned from competing in Russian sports events.
Timma defended his choice, saying, “It’s something interesting to me. I thought, why not give it a try?”
He also addressed critics on Instagram, stating: “How useless you 99% of my dear followers are.
Leave my family alone at least. It’s my decision, and I don’t see anything wrong with it. I play basketball and live my life.”
NBA Community Reacts
The news of Timma’s death sent shockwaves through the NBA community.
Kristaps Porzingis, a Latvian star for the Boston Celtics, expressed his disbelief on X, saying, “Oh nooo, please tell me it’s not true.”
He later shared a reflective message: “Human connection is the cornerstone of our mental health. Please, let’s look after one another. Rest in peace, JT.”