Home

NBA

“So Sorry to Hear About This”: Jamie Foxx, Donovan Mitchell, Steve Francis and Thousands Bemoan Heartbreaking News on Ex-NBA Player’s Personal Loss

Published 04/10/2023, 7:27 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Imago

Despite all the fame and glory that comes with winning championships and accolades, NBA stars, like most athletes, cherish their relationships with their families the most. The world of sports suffered a terrible loss as former Chicago Bulls player Jay Williams announced the demise of his mother, Althea Williams. A walking inspiration, Althea Williams had already undergone two kidney transplants, one of which led to effects on her heart due to recurring infections. The former NBA player credited his mother for guiding him and helping him build a positive perspective on life.

Jay Williams, who only played one season for the Chicago Bulls recently informed the world about the heartbreaking loss of his mother on social media. The saddening news attracted a lot of attention and multiple big names came together in offering their condolences to the former Bulls player.

Former NBA guard Jay Williams suffers heartbreaking loss

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Althea Williams was a big part of her son’s life. She always focused on improving herself as a mother and also spoke in a positive manner to Jay to keep him motivated. Moreover, Althea made sure to instill high values and great personal character in her son. Whenever Jay would make a mistake, she made sure to hold him accountable for it. While also reflecting upon herself as to what she could’ve done better.

via Imago

Williams’ mother also took a special interest in the people her son hung out with. She made sure that Jay would be surrounded by people who had good character and were positive in nature. And one can be sure that his mother was there for him when his career came to an unfortunate end in the league.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Jay Williams was a star during his time in college and the same was expected of him in the NBA as well. However, his NBA career was cut short due to a motorcycle accident after his first year in the league. After that, the 6’2 point guard could never fully recuperate from his injuries and was let go from the Bulls. He is now a well-renowned sports analyst on TV.

Jamie Foxx, Donovan Mitchell, and more pay their respects

According to Duke University HomeCare & Hospice, Althea had been receiving health care from her son’s alma mater. She had even credited Jay for joining Duke, which eventually led to her receiving treatment. “If it wasn’t for Jason making the decision to come to Duke, I do not think I would have been blessed with the opportunity to extend my life thanks to the amazing health care I have received,” Althea had mentioned.

A number of people came together to pay their respects and offer their condolences to Williams during this tough time. Williams’ tweet read, “Rest In Power Momma..” Many NBA players and legends joined thousands of fans to offer their condolences to Williams’ on his Instagram post.

Watch This Story – Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Magic Johnson joined the NBA world in mourning the heartbreaking loss of hall of fame Paul Silas

Cleveland Cavaliers star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell, as well as NBA legends Steve Francis and Rod Strickland, all posted prayer emojis under Williams’ post. Hollywood star Jamie Foxx too reacted as he commented, “God bless you and condolences.”

Here are a few more comments from Instagram.

Sorry to hear about this, Jay. Her story has been well told about how she pushed you towards higher education and greatness on the court. May she rest in peace.”

Former Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins commented, “Praying for you and the family my brother,” followed by a prayer emoji.

Former NFL tight-end Benjamin Watson commented, “Praying for you now brother. much love.”

Even Ice Cube’s son O’Shea Jackson Jr. tweeted, “Rest in power …”

Some other people who also reacted to Williams’ heartbreaking loss were former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, and former NBA player Harry Giles III to name a few.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Our prayers and condolences go out to Jay Williams and his family during this tough time.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Abhishek Dhariwal

1,425Articles

One take at a time

Abhishek Dhariwal is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with a background in journalism and mass communication. Abhishek uses storytelling along with feedback gathering to curate elegant and exclusive content for ES. His writing covers a wide range of topics, from in-game coverage to off-court activities of NBA stars.
Show More>

Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth