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Basketball Player Zeke Upshaw Tragically Dies From Cardiac Arrest After Collapsing On The Court

The 26-year-old fell to the floor during the final minute of a game.

Forward Zeke Upshaw, who played for the G-League’s Grand Rapids Drive, died two days after collapsing on the court during a game against the Long Island Nets. Upshaw was 26 years old.

Upshaw’s mother, Jewel Upshaw, released a statement through the team on Monday:

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

  • According to WOOD TV8, Upshaw suffered cardiac arrest.

    Upshaw fell to the floor while he was playing defense with about 50 seconds left in a game against the Nets. A ref for the game immediately blew the whistle when Upshaw lifelessly fell on to his chest. He was taken off the court on a stretcher and taken to Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

  • The 26-year-old played for Grand Rapids the past two seasons after spending his collegiate career at Illinois State and later Hofstra. He also spent two seasons overseas, playing in leagues located in Slovenia and Luxembourg.

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