RJ Barrett has missed two of the Toronto Raptors‘ last three games. He was a late scratch on Saturday because of an illness, and he missed Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons due to personal reasons. The former No. 3 overall pick has also been ruled out already for Friday’s matchup against the Orlando Magic, and apparently, there is a heartbreaking reason behind his absence.
The Raptors, along with Barrett’s family, announced on Thursday that RJ’s younger brother, Nathan, had tragically passed away.
Toronto Raptors Star RJ Barrett’s Brother Dies
The official statement was shared by NBA insider Marc J. Spears on Twitter:
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the loss of our beloved son and brother, Nathan Tyler Barrett, who passed away on Tuesday, March 12, surrounded by his family, church and friends.
“While our family is devastated by this great loss, we will continue to cherish the memories and time spent together. Nathan was a God-fearing young man of strong character. He was thoughtful, kind, loving, compassionate, creative, admirable, and driven.
“During this difficult time, our family would like to ask for privacy but greatly appreciates the outpouring of love, support and prayers that we have been receiving. Though his time with us was brief, he will live forever in our hearts,” read the statement.
The cause of death and the age of Nathan was not revealed.
There really isn’t much to say in times like these. Our prayers go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
Basketball is probably the last thing on Barrett’s mind right now as he mourns the death of his brother. The Raptors will likely give him as much time as he needs to recover — as much as he possibly can, that is — from this tragic turn of events. In the meantime, the 23-year-old should be considered out indefinitely.
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