On Thursday, the Toronto Raptors and Canada Basketball conveyed the sad news that Nathan Barrett, the younger sibling of Raptors player RJ Barrett, had passed away. In a statement released via X (formerly Twitter), the Barrett family expressed their profound sorrow and grief over the loss of Nathan Tyler Barrett, who passed away on Tuesday, March 12, surrounded by loved ones.
The family requested privacy during this challenging time and emphasized their devastation at Nathan’s passing. Despite their grief, they expressed a commitment to cherishing the memories they shared with Nathan, describing him as a young man of strong character, marked by qualities such as thoughtfulness, kindness, love, compassion, creativity, admiration, and drive.
While the family appreciated the support, love, and prayers they’ve received, they asked for space to mourn privately. They acknowledged the brevity of Nathan’s time with them but emphasized that he would forever remain in their hearts. The statement did not disclose the cause of Nathan’s death.
According to CBS Sports, Nathan Barrett followed in his brother RJ’s footsteps and played high school basketball at Monteverde Academy in Florida. His former youth basketball coach, Chris Stewart, paid tribute to Nathan, revealing that the 22-year-old had aspirations of becoming a pilot.
Stewart reminisced about Nathan’s brief time with them during grade 7 before he relocated to Florida, highlighting the strong bond he shared with his peers whenever he returned to Mississauga. Stewart recalled seeing Nathan last summer, noting his growth and excitement about embarking on pilot training.
In a tribute shared on Instagram, Stewart expressed condolences to the Barrett family and urged people to keep them in their thoughts and prayers, acknowledging their significant contributions to the basketball community. He emphasized the heartbreaking nature of a parent burying their child and encouraged everyone to cherish their loved ones a little more.
Raptors analyst Blake Murphy revealed that RJ Barrett will be taking an indefinite break from the team as he processes the loss of his brother.
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