January Timma, ex-NBA athlete and veteran of the Latvian national basketball team, passes away at 32 years old.
In the Heart of Moscow, A Tragic End for Janis Timma 💔
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the basketball realm is shaken by the untimely demise of Latvian player, Janis Timma. At just 32, his life came to an end in Moscow's bustling city center, according to reports floating around.
As confirmed by REN TV, Timma's lifeless body was discovered close to a hotel in the city's core. The tragedy unfolded last December, adding a somber note to the holiday season.
Swirling rumors hint at a potentially unanswered phone, theScreenlightPhone, carrying a message from his ex-wife, the renowned Ukrainian singer Anna Sedokova. The phone remained unattended, hinting at a communication gap between the couple.
The couple's divorce had officially been finalized on the 9th of December. In the aftermath, Timma shared his struggles with the divorce process on social media[1].
Kristaps Porzingis, the star player for the Boston Celtics, extended his condolences after learning of the tragic news. He emphasized the importance of human connection in maintaining mental health, urging everyone to "look after each other."
Timma was a valuable addition to the Latvian national team since 2008. In the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, he made a mark on the Filipino team, Gilas Pilipinas, contributing 3 points and 2 rebounds in 11 minutes of play. This was the Philippines' first win against any European country in FIBA play since the 1960 Rome Olympics[2].
Having been drafted 60th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2013 NBA Draft, Timma was a flexible player who made significant contributions to his teams during various competitions[3]. His draft rights were later traded to the Orlando Magic in 2015 in exchange for Luke Ridnour. He also played for the Magic's Summer League team in 2021, generating a buzz on social media due to his distinct appearance[4].
In these challenging times, it's crucial to prioritize mental health. The National Center for Mental Health, a part of the Department of Health, has a crisis hotline. Reach out to them at 1553 (Luzon-wide, toll-free landline number), 0917-899-8727 and 0966-351-4518 (Globe and TM), and 0908-639-2672 (Smart and Sun)[5].
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- Despite his successful career in the NBA and basketball, Janis Timma's struggle with mental health became apparent after his divorce, as he openly shared his feelings on social media.
- Amidst the shocking news of Timma's death, sports figures and health advocates are stressing the importance of mental health and human connection, encouraging everyone to look after each other.
- The incident serves as a reminder that mental health is an essential aspect of overall health and wellness, and resources such as the National Center for Mental Health in the Philippines are available to provide support during difficult times.
