Jalen Hill was a rising prospect in the ranks of UCLA, one of the most decorated programs. A young basketball player, who first rose while playing for Centennial High School. Earning various honors he continued his basketball journey with the Bruins. However, after three promising seasons, Hill stepped away from the game as he suffered from anxiety. But the news surrounding him took a turn for the worse, leaving the NBA and basketball community in shock.

The family of Jalen Hill took to Instagram to share news about the 22-year-old’s tragic death. In an emotional post, they wrote, “Our hearts are shattered and completely broken to inform family and friends that our beloved son, Jalen, has passed away,”. It all started as the basketball prodigy went missing in Costa Rica.

Likewise, the NBA family couldn’t believe the truth. Moreover, UCLA’s coach, Mick Cronin shared his condolences on Twitter.

NBA fans pay their respects to former UCLA star Jalen Hill

As the news hit the surface, the basketball community went into mourning. Hill was dedicated to his craft before his surprise retirement last season. However, Cronin knew the 22-year-old beyond the basketball court. An emotional coach of the Bruins took to Twitter to offer his condolences to the Hill family. In addition, he also shed light on the brightness his basketball star brought to the world.

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Cronin felt Jalen Hill went away too soon. Pinning down his respects, Cronin said: “The news of Jalen Hill’s passing is heartbreaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Jalen was a warm-hearted young man with a great smile who has left us far too soon”. And NBA community soon joined in paying tribute:

A star since high school, Hill was ranked 47th by ESPN. Leading the Centennials in both scoring and rebounding, Hill set his first steps on the path to success. During his run as a college star, Jalen Hill was a pivotal part of the Bruins. In his three seasons, he put up 6.5 points and 6.4 rebounds while starting 40 games. As one of the spearheads of the UCLA defense, the 22-year-old often received All-Defensive honors while being one of the lead shot blockers in the Pac-12.

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The NBA community last saw Hill on the basketball floor in January of last year. The UCLA star undoubtedly served as an inspiration to many with his brave decision to step away from the game.