Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond reveals his youngest son has died

Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond reveals his youngest son has died ‘unexpectedly’ aged 20 as he pays tribute to his ‘ray of light’

  • Mitch Richmond, 54, confirmed his son Shane, 20, has passed away in statement
  • Retired basketball player said family is ‘heartbroken and devastated’ by the news
  • Shane’s cause of death was not revealed by his family in Tuesday’s statement

The youngest son of former Sacramento Kings star Mitch Richmond has died unexpectedly at the age of 20, his family has confirmed.

The retired professional basketball player, 54, confirmed the devastating news that his son Shane had passed away in a statement released on Tuesday.

He said: ‘It is with great sadness and pain that we inform you that our youngest son, Shane, unexpectedly passed away last night. 

‘We are heartbroken and devastated with this tragic news and will use the strength of our family and the thoughts and prayers of our friends to get through this incredibly difficult time. 

Former Sacramento Kings star Mitch Richmond confirmed on Tuesday that his son Shane (pictured in 2013) had passed away 

Richmond (pictured right) said: 'It is with great sadness and pain that we inform you that our youngest son, Shane, unexpectedly passed away last night'

Richmond (pictured right) said: ‘It is with great sadness and pain that we inform you that our youngest son, Shane, unexpectedly passed away last night’

‘Shane was a ray of light for his two brothers, sister, mom and dad and, at only 20 years of age, had a wealth of friends and admirers who will desperately miss his warm affection and smile.’

The statement, posted to Twitter by NBCSAuthentic reporter Logan Murdoch, added: ‘As we go through the grieving process and the loss of our son, we ask that you respect our privacy’. 

A cause of death for Shane was not immediately clear. 

Shane, whose cause of death was not immediately clear, was the youngest of Richmond's three sons with his wife Julie

Shane, whose cause of death was not immediately clear, was the youngest of Richmond’s three sons with his wife Julie

Shane was the youngest of Richmond’s three sons with his wife Julie. He was brother to Phillip, Jerin and Richmond’s daughter with Teala Jones, Tearra.

In March 2013, Shane was reported missing form his home in Calabasas, California, CBS reported.

Shane, who was 14 at the time, returned home a short time later. Taking to Twitter, Richmond said: ‘Our son Shane is back home safe thanks for all the support we got from his friends. Thank you all we are very grateful… 

Richmond with his Most Valuable Player trophy in February 1995

Richmond with his Most Valuable Player trophy in February 1995

‘I want 2 thank all the King fans for there support. I’m looking 4rd 2 working with KJ and the Ownership Partners in keeping the Kings in Sac.’ 

His father, Mitch, is a former professional basketball player who recently served as an assistant coach under his former Golden State Warriors teammate Chris Mullin at St. John’s University in New York.

He is a six-time NBA All-Star, a five-time NBA All-Star team member and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014.

Richmond played for the Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors throughout his professional career.



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