Jalen Hill, former UCLA men’s basketball team forward, passed away under mysterious circumstances in Costa Rica. He was just 22 years old. Read on to know who was Jalen Hill, what happened to him, and how did he die after going missing.
Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times reported Hill’s death after confirmation from his former high school coach Josh Giles. “To hear something like this is next-level devastating,” Giles said.
How did Jalen Hill die?
Jalen Hill died after going missing in Costa Rica in September 2022. He was just 22 at the time of his untimely and sudden death. The local police are currently investigating the case and more details will be released later.
Hill’s family has currently refrained from sharing more details surrounding their young man’s death. “Unable to share any details at this time,” they mentioned in a statement.
Jalen Hill Goes Missing and Dies Mysteriously: What was the Cause?
Jalen Hill died after going missing in Costa Rica according to his parents. He went missing a few days ago and his body was found. There could be foul play involved in his death. He might have died in an apparent accident.
Hill’s father, George Hill, shared a few details surrounding his young son’s death. He shared a picture of Jalen with a heartbreaking caption on Instagram.
“Our hearts are shattered and completely broken to inform family and friends that our beloved son, Jalen, has passed away,” he wrote in the caption.
“Jalen went missing while in Costa Rica and we have recently learned of his passing.
“We realize that many will have questions, but we are unable to share any details at this time.
“We know Jalen has played a part in the lives of so many people.
“We also acknowledge the role that so many of you have played in his.
“As we try to navigate this devastating time in our lives, we ask that you please give us time to grieve.”
He concluded the post with: “Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, George, Tanisa and Tatianna Hill.”
Who was Jalen Hill? Everything To Know About the Basketball Prodigy
Jalen Hill was born in 1999. The American basketball player hailed from Corona, California. He played for the UCLA Bruins from 2017 to 2021 under coaches Steve Alford and Mick Cronin. Across three seasons, Hill played in 77 games with 40 starts.
He averaged 6.5 points and 5.9 rebounds. After the 2020-21 season, Jalen Hill retired from basketball citing personal reasons including his declining mental health. He claimed the deterioration began shortly after an incident on the team’s preseason trip to China.
Hill posted a video online to explain his decision of stepping away from basketball. He also mentioned the COVID-19 virus and subsequent isolation as the causes for his decision.
In 2017, Hill was arrested with Cody Riley and LiAngelo Ball for shoplifting in China. The incident took place just before the Bruins’ season opener against Georgia Tech. The three of them got suspended for their entire freshman year.
Ball left the team following the event but Hill and Riley returned in 2018. Jalen talked about it on social media last September. “Ever since then, from that point on, I was really trying to get somewhere fast,” he said.
UCLA and Coaches pay tribute to Jalen Hill
UCLA posted a tribute for their former men’s basketball team forward Jalen Hill upon his untimely death.
“Our program is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Jalen Hill,” their statement said.
It added: “We offer our most sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
UCLA coach Mike Cronin described the news as “heartbreaking” while paying respect to the late basketball player.
Josh Giles, Hill’s coach at Corona Centennial High, also paid tribute to his late student.
“Just a really good kid, had a great smile,” he said.
“He was a great basketball player, but I just loved him as a person,” he added.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. May God let the departed soul rest in peace.