Former NBA player Jason Collins has died at the age of 47 following a battle with brain cancer, his family confirmed on Tuesday.
Collins, who became the first openly gay athlete to play in a major American professional sports league, died after battling glioblastoma.
In a statement released through the NBA, his family described his death as a painful loss.
The family said: “We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma.”
They added: “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.”
The statement further read: “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”
Collins revealed in September that he was receiving treatment for a brain tumour before later confirming in an interview with ESPN that he had been diagnosed with a fast-growing multiforme glioblastoma.
According to reports, he underwent treatment involving medication, radiation and chemotherapy while also pursuing additional treatment in Singapore.
The former basketball player later returned home and attended events during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
Collins retired from basketball in 2014 after a 13-year NBA career.
During his time in the league, he played for the New Jersey Nets, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics.
He publicly came out as gay in a 2013 Sports Illustrated article before later playing 22 games for the Brooklyn Nets under former teammate and coach Jason Kidd.
Recalling reactions after publicly announcing his sexuality, Collins said: “When I did come out publicly, it was interesting, it was very rare, but I got back-to-back calls from Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama.
“President Obama said ‘Congratulations – what you’ve done today will have a positive impact on someone you might not ever meet in your lifetime.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to the late former player and activist.
Silver said: “Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.”
He added: “He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador.”
The commissioner further said: “Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.”
Silver added: “On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.”
