Jalen Hill, a former UCLA basketball player, passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 22.
Hill’s passing is “heartbreaking,” according to UCLA coach Mick Cronin, who added that the former Bruins forward “left us far too soon” and was “a warm-hearted young man with a great smile.”
About the Death of Jalen Hill
Hill’s family revealed in an Instagram post that they recently learned of his passing after he went missing in Costa Rica, but they withheld any additional information.
His family stated in the Instagram post, “We know Jalen has played a part in the lives of so many people.” “We also recognize the part that a great number of you have played in his. Please give us some space to process this terrible time in our lives as we try to navigate it.”
Josh Giles, Hill’s basketball coach at Centennial High School in Corona, California, told the Los Angeles Times that he “just loved him as a person” in addition to being a “great basketball player.”
Giles told the Times that he has spoken with Hill’s family and added, “I’m so stunned I don’t even have an emotion right now.” It is devastating to hear something like this.
The 6-foot-10 Hill played for UCLA for a total of three seasons in spurts before announcing his retirement after the 2020–21 campaign, citing anxiety and depression in an Instagram video. He left the team in February 2021 but did not disclose his departure until April, citing his desire to avoid interfering with the Bruins’ quest for the Final Four.
In the video, Hill is heard saying, “I just had to distance myself because the team was suffering from my mental state.” I didn’t want to stand in the way of them accomplishing their goals, either.
Along with LiAngelo Ball and Cody Riley, Hill was one of three UCLA athletes detained in China in November 2017 on suspicion of shoplifting. He missed the 2017–18 season due to a suspension, but he returned the following year. During his time with the Bruins, he played in 77 games and averaged 6.5 points and 6.4 rebounds.
Shocks To the Fans About the Death of Jalen Hill
The news of Jalen Hill's passing is heartbreaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Jalen was a warm-hearted young man with a great smile who has left us far too soon. pic.twitter.com/YK69T7r91B
— Mick Cronin (@CoachMickCronin) September 21, 2022
Our program is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Jalen Hill. We offer our most sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/JOUrHjh9NU
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) September 21, 2022
