Zeke Upshaw, a 26 year old forward who suddenly collapsed during a G League game on Saturday has died, officials say.
Upshaw played for the Grand Rapids Drive, the Detroit Pistons’ minor league. He was in his second season with the Grand Rapids Drive and played overseas prior to being drafted by the minor league in the fourth round.
TMZ reports that Upshaw was playing in the fourth quarter against the Long Island Nets when he suddenly collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. He was taken to the hospital and stayed in critical condition throughout the weekend until he passed away mid-Monday morning.
Upshaw’s mother was the first to break the news. Jewel Upshaw said on Monday, “After continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health, Zeke made his transition at 11:16 AM.”
The Grand Rapids Drive released a follow-up statement on Monday:
After continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health, Zeke made his transition at 11:16 a.m. To family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans, and confidants, thank you for all your prayers and support during this most difficult time.
We ask that you respect our privacy at this time. Details of his memorial will be announced at a later date. We’d like to thank the many doctors and nurses at Spectrum Health for their efforts in caring for our son. We’d also like to thank the Grand Rapids Drive for the support they have extended to our family.
It is not immediately clear what the cause of Zeke Upshaw’s death is, or whether he had some kind of underlying condition. Details are likely to remain private until his family chooses to release them.
Follow Jena on Twitter.