Jason Collins Dies at 47 After Stage 4 Glioblastoma, Leaving Trailblazing NBA Legacy
Updated
Updated · Heavy.com · May 12
Jason Collins Dies at 47 After Stage 4 Glioblastoma, Leaving Trailblazing NBA Legacy
26 articles · Updated · Heavy.com · May 12
Collins died peacefully at home at 47, his family said Tuesday, after stage 4 glioblastoma progressed rapidly in recent weeks despite treatment.
November brought his public disclosure of the diagnosis; ESPN reported he pursued aggressive care, including experimental therapies in Singapore that initially let him return home and attend NBA events earlier this year.
13 NBA seasons took Collins through six teams, including 32 games with Boston in 2012-13, and two New Jersey Nets squads that reached the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.
April 2013 made Collins a landmark figure beyond basketball: he became the first openly gay active player in North America's four major men's professional sports leagues and later worked as an NBA ambassador for equality.
A trailblazer is gone. Who will carry the torch for LGBTQ+ athletes now?
Why did an NBA pioneer have to leave the US for experimental cancer care?
His death highlights a deadly cancer. Are we any closer to a cure?