Sept. 13 (UPI) — Brandon Hunter, a former professional basketball player known for his time with the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic, has died at the age of 42 after collapsing during a hot yoga workout.
Hunter’s mother-in-law Carolyn Cliett confirmed his passing to NBC News.
“He regularly practiced hot yoga and was in good shape as far as we know. We’re all in shock,” Cliett said.
Before his professional basketball career, Hunter made a name for himself as a standout player for Ohio University. Last year, he was honored by being inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the loss of Ohio basketball legend Brandon Hunter. Our thoughts are with Brandon’s family during this difficult time,” expressed the school’s basketball team in a statement.
During his NBA career, Hunter had a brief stint with the Boston Celtics in the 2003-2004 season, playing 36 games. He then went on to join the Orlando Magic for 31 appearances the following season.
“We are incredibly saddened by the news of our former teammate, Brandon Hunter’s passing,” conveyed the team in a statement. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Hunter family.”
After his time in the NBA, Hunter found success playing basketball internationally in countries such as France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, and Uruguay. He returned to the United States in 2013 and ventured into real estate and sports management, creating a thriving company.
His former coach, Tim O’Shea, stated in a statement that Hunter transformed his experiences playing in the NBA and abroad into a successful career as an agent, helping place players on overseas teams.
“He was not only the best player I had the privilege to coach, but he was also a remarkable husband, father, and citizen,” O’Shea remarked. “Over the years, we kept in touch, and I was immensely proud of the person he became.”
Hunter is survived by his wife, Mary, and their three children.
Mike Williams
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Mike Williams catches a screen pass against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, in 2012. The wide receiver, who also played for the Buffalo Bills during a five-year NFL tenure, died September 12 when he was taken off life support after a construction accident. He was 36. Photo by Ian Halperin/UPI | License Photo
