Janis Timma, a former G League player for the Orlando Magic, has tragically passed away at the age of 32, with reports indicating an apparent suicide. The announcement was made by the Magic, who expressed their condolences to Timma’s family and those who knew him.
According to Russian media, Timma was discovered deceased in a residential building in central Moscow. Early reports suggest that his death may have been self-inflicted, as a cell phone was found nearby with a message referencing his ex-wife, Anna Sedokova, a noted Russian-Ukrainian singer. The couple had been married for four years, and their divorce was reportedly finalized just days before his death.
Sedokova, visibly emotional, shared her grief on Instagram, pleading for privacy and expressing the enormous pain she has experienced in recent years. She emphasized her desire to protect her child from the impact of the tragic news.
Timma had a successful career overseas, playing for notable European teams like BC Zenit St. Petersburg and BC Khimki, and he was part of the Orlando Magic’s Summer League team in 2021. Fellow athletes and colleagues shared their condolences, reflecting on Timma’s contributions to basketball and his enduring spirit. Notably, Kristaps Porzingis, a fellow Latvian and current Celtics center, shared a heartfelt remembrance on social media.
As of now, the official cause of death remains unconfirmed, although some sources have suggested asphyxiation as the possible cause.
This heartbreaking news sheds light on the pressures and struggles athletes can face, even after successful careers. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health resources and the need for open conversations around emotional wellbeing in sports and beyond.
In times of tragedy, the community can come together to support those impacted, and it is hopeful to see how messages of love and remembrance continue to resonate.