THE dad of a former UCLA basketball player has expressed his pain following his son's death in mysterious circumstances.
Jalen Hill's father, George, wrote on his private Instagram: “Our hearts are shattered and completely broken to inform family and friends that our beloved son, Jalen, has passed away."
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George wrote in the post that Hill "went missing while in Costa Rica" and that the family "recently learned" of his death at the age of 22.
In addition to his heartbreaking caption confirming Hill's death, George added: "We realize that many will have questions, but we are unable to share any details at this time."
"We know Jalen has played a part in the lives of so many people," he continued.
"We also acknowledge the role that so many of you have played in his.
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"As we try to navigate this devastating time in our lives, we ask that you please give us time to grieve."
George ended with a request: "Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, George, Tanisa and Tatianna Hill."
Hill's coach Josh Giles at his former school, Corona Centennial High, also paid tribute to Hill.
"Just a really good kid had a great smile. He was a great basketball player, but I just loved him as a person," Giles told the Los Angeles Times.
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"To hear something like this is next-level devastating," Giles added.
In 2017, Hill was arrested and suspended on shoplifting charges, along with LiAngelo Ball and Cody Riley.
The three were detained in China while the rest of the UCLA team went home.
They spent three days in confinement and faced potential jail time before being released, as CBS Sports reported.
As a Bruin, Hill averaged 6.5 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game across three seasons from 2018 to 2021.
Hill eventually announced his retirement in 2021 from basketball in an Instagram video, revealing that his anxiety and depression led him to leave the sport behind.
"I just had to distance myself because the headspace I was in, it was damaging the team, so I didn't want to restrict them from achieving their goals too," Hill addressed.
Despite his mistakes, Hill said he was trying to move on from them.
UCLA remembered Hill as well: "Our program is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Jalen Hill. We offer our most sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."
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UCLA coach, Mick Cronin, also said Hill's death was “heartbreaking."
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Jalen was a warm-hearted young man with a great smile who has left us far too soon," he said.
