Tragic Death of Latvian Basketball Player Janis Timma at 32
The basketball community is in mourning following the tragic death of Latvian international player Janis Timma, who was found dead at the age of 32 outside his residential building in Moscow on December 17, 2024. Initial reports suggest that Timma may have taken his own life, with Russian media citing a police source describing the incident as a possible suicide. A mobile phone was discovered near his body, displaying a message that read "call Anna," referring to his ex-wife, Ukrainian singer Anna Sedokova, with whom he had recently separated.
Timma's career spanned several European clubs, including Olympiacos, Khimki Moscow, and Zenit, before he joined Monbus Obradoiro in February 2024, where he played 10 games, averaging 8.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and two assists per game. Despite his efforts, Obradoiro struggled to avoid relegation in the ACB league. Following his stint in Spain, Timma returned to Russia to participate in 3x3 basketball, but due to restrictions, he was unable to represent Latvia internationally since 2022.
Tributes have poured in from the basketball community, with former teammates expressing their condolences on social media. Kristaps Porzingis, a prominent player in the NBA, emphasized the importance of human connections for mental health, urging everyone to look out for one another during these difficult times. Both Baskonia and Obradoiro have shared messages of support for Timma's family and friends, highlighting the impact he had on those around him.