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[Tragic] The Heartbreaking Mistake That Led To Bryce Dejean Jones' Senseless Death

The New Orleans Pelicans' rookie was only 23 years old.

The only news supposed to be coming out of the NBA this time of year is the excitement from the nearing NBA Finals as the sport's biggest stars put it all on the line. Saturday, however, NBA fans got some tragic news when the New Orleans Pelicans 23-year-old shooting guard, Bryce Dejean-Jones, was announced dead from a gunshot to the abdomen.

The shooting, which was first reported by the Ames Tribune, took place at around 3:20AM in Dallas and was a result of Jones apparently breaking into an apartment that he thought belonged to his girlfriend. He was in town visiting their daughter for her first birthday.
The rookie kicking down the apartment's door woke the man sleeping inside, and while the tenant said he called out to Jones, he got no response. It was after Jones kicked down his bedroom door, that the man shot Jones in the stomach. The 23-year-old was able to run out of the apartment, but collapsed shortly after. He was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.

Fans and stars alike took to Twitter to express their condolences.

Jones was a standout at Iowa State before going undrafted, and fighting his way to a 3-year contract with the Pelicans just three months ago. He did have a somewhat troubled past, with run-ins with the law for drug possession, and violence with teammates, but was it appeared that he was finally putting his talent and drive before the distractions. 

The Pelicans released a statement regarding the young man's passing. "It is with deep sadness that the Pelicans organization acknowledges the sudden passing of Bryce Dejean-Jones,” the release read. “We are devastated at the loss of this young man’s life who had such a promising future ahead of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryce’s family during this difficult time.” 

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