Missing UCLA Basketball Star Dead At 22 After Taking Mental Health Break

Former University of California Los Angeles basketball participant Jalen Hill has handed away after taking a psychological well being break — and going lacking in Costa Rica.

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Jalen performed for the UCLA Bruins for 3 seasons earlier than he formally left the group in February 2021 for “personal reasons”. Later, he spoke with the Los Angeles Times to make clear he wanted a psychological well being break. In April of final yr he informed the outlet he struggled vastly with despair and anxiousness:

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“I’m just like, nah, I need to take this break. It was a tough decision to make, but once I knew what I had to do, it wasn’t hard, like I figured out, like, this is going to help me.”

He additionally posted a video to his Instagram the identical month, saying he felt like his psychological state was “damaging” the group’s efficiency:

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“I just had to distance myself because the headspace I was in, it was damaging the team, so I didn’t want to restrict them from achieving their goals too.”

Sadly, Hill would by no means return to the court docket, as his household confirmed on Tuesday through his dad George Hill‘s Instagram the athlete has tragically passed away after mysteriously going missing. The post, on the now private page, shows a photo of his son from a Sports Illustrated shoot, and reads of the family’s heartbreak:

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“Our hearts are shattered and completely broken to inform family and friends that our beloved son, Jalen has passed away.”

The submit continues to say Jalen had gone lacking in Costa Rica some time in the past — he died in August however the mother and father solely “recently” discovered about their son’s passing:

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“Jalen went missing while in Costa Rica and we have recently learned of his passing. We realize that many will have questions but we are unable to share any details at this time.”

So, so unhappy.

It finishes by asking for privateness as they try to navigate this unimaginable time of their lives:

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“As we try to navigate this devastating time in our lives, we ask that you please give us time to grieve.”

Heartbreaking. He was solely 22 years outdated…

The 6-foot-10 basketball star was a driving drive within the Bruins’ 2019-2020 group. The then-sophomore averaged 9.0 factors, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per recreation — making 25 begins alongside the way in which. He was additionally member of the United States’ 2015 group on the FIBA Americas U-16 Championship and received a gold medal. He averaged 8.6 factors and 5.0 rebounds per recreation.

Many followers and buddies alike have taken to social media to specific their grief and condolences to the household after his tragic passing. It’s unclear how lengthy he had been lacking or in what approach he died — however what’s sure is he left a long-lasting affect on so many individuals who crossed paths with him. Such a devastating loss.

Our hearts exit to Jalen’s household and buddies, we’re sending them love and lightweight. May he relaxation in peace.