Team Dominican Republic’s sorrow seems to know no end this year. The Karl-Anthony Towns-led side dealt with a disappointing exit from the 2023 FIBA World Cup after a promising start. The team led their group with a perfect record before suffering back-to-back losses in Round 2 that ended their dream run in the tournament. However, while the team was still recovering from their exit from the tournament, another shocker left them in shambles.

Returning to the team after 10 years, the Minnesota Timberwolves superstar set the tournament ablaze. Karl-Anthony Towns led his team in a spectacular run before the team’s hopes came crashing down. To add to their misery, a recent distressing development has taken the team aback. The news hit them at the worst possible time.

Sorrow hits Karl-Anthony Towns-led team at the worst possible time

Team Dominican Republic’s humiliating 112-79 loss to Team Serbia sent Karl-Anthony Towns and the team packing. However, as the team boarded their flight to head back home, nobody would have imagined what would ensue. The team’s physiotherapist, Bladimir Regalado, suffered a cardiac arrest on the flight.

It has now been confirmed that Regalado tragically passed away while traveling home from the World Cup. The Team Dominican Republic issued a statement on their Instagram page. Meanwhile, the FIBA World Cup’s official Instagram handle also mourned the team’s loss.

“The entire FIBA team sends its love and heartfelt condolences to @rdbseleccion and the family of team physiotherapist Bladimir Regalado who tragically passed away while traveling home from the World Cup. Bladimir will be dearly missed by all. Rest in peace,” they wrote in their Instagram post.

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Regalado’s loss is surely a major setback to the team’s spirits. However, the fans did not leave the team alone in their grief. They also shared the team’s sorrow as they took to the comments to express their feelings about the tragic incident.

Fans share the team’s grief

Karl-Anthony Towns and Team Dominican Republic certainly suffered a heartbreaking loss. However, the basketball world also felt sorrow for the incident as they offered their condolences to the team.

Some fans wrote “Died serving the Country. RIP much love from the Philippines” to share their love, all the way from the Philippines. In fact, several fans showered their love for the team after their heartbreaking loss. “RIP. He had great energy every time I saw him in the Philippines. This is wild… may God rest his soul!” some wrote.

Users also claimed that Regalado was the heart and soul of the team in the FIBA World Cup. “Oh my god. This man was the heart of the team. Incredible energy out there. So sad to see this,” they wrote. Moreover, fans offered their condolences to the side, saying “prayers up & blessings/condolences to his family & friends.” “Condolences to the family, friends & team Dominican Republic. Fr,” fans further wrote.

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Regalado’s loss is definitely a gutting incident that the team had to go through. Despite their disappointing exit from the FIBA World Cup, the loss of their beloved physiotherapist will sting them more. However, one can only offer condolences to Regalado’s family and hope that his soul may rest in peace.