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Grand Rapids Drive’s Zeke Upshaw dies after game collapse

Posted at 1:21 PM, Mar 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-26 17:00:55-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — An NBA G League player for the Grand Rapids Drive has died aftercollapsing toward the end of a weekend game.

The Grand Rapids Drive posted a statement Monday from Zeke Upshaw's mother confirming that he had passed away.

"After continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health, Zeke made his transition at 11:16 am," the statement from Jewel Upshaw reads. "To family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans & confidants, thank you for your prayers and support during this most difficult time."

Sarah Jbara, a spokeswoman for the team, previously told mlive.com that Zeke Upshaw tumbled to the floor Saturday night with about 50 seconds remaining in the game. He was taken off the court on a stretcher.

Upshaw was in his second season with the Drive. From Chicago, the 6-foot-6 swingman played three seasons at Illinois State and finished his college career with a year at Hofstra.

The Drive also issued a statement Monday, saying:

"The Drive family is mourning the tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw. He had a warm personality and was a tremendous representative of our organization both on and off the court. Our thoughts are with all of Zeke’s family and friends during this difficult time."

Details of Upshaw's memorial will be announced at a later time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report