Janis Timma, a renowned Latvian basketball player and former NBA draft pick, was discovered dead at the base of a high-rise apartment building in Moscow on Monday.
The 32-year-old’s tragic death coincided with the birthday of his ex-wife, Ukrainian singer and actress Anna Sedokova.
Local authorities confirmed that Timma’s body was found in the building’s stairwell. Nearby, investigators reportedly found a phone containing a message from Sedokova, adding a poignant layer to an already tragic event. The preliminary cause of death has been ruled as suicide, though investigations are ongoing.
Timma and Sedokova were married in 2020 but had filed for divorce earlier this year. In an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday, Sedokova expressed her grief, writing:
“We shared dreams, love, and pain. Now there’s only silence. Rest, Janis. I hope you’ve found peace.”
The timing of the incident has raised speculation among fans and media, though Sedokova has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Standing 6’7” tall, Timma was a commanding presence on the court. Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies as the 60th overall pick in 2013, his NBA aspirations took him to the Orlando Magic and a stint in the 2021 NBA Summer League.
However, his most notable achievements were in European basketball, where he played for elite teams like Olympiacos and Zenit Saint Petersburg.
Timma also represented Latvia in multiple international tournaments, including the 2010 FIBA U18 European Championship, where his team earned a bronze medal. Over his career, he played 35 matches for the Latvian national team, scoring an impressive 338 points.
In recent years, Timma faced significant backlash for his decision to continue playing professionally in Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine. The move effectively ended his international career, as Latvian athletes are barred from participating in Russian sports events.
In an October interview with Latvian outlet LSM, Timma justified his choice, saying, “It’s something interesting to me. I thought, why not give it a try?”
However, his decision sparked heated criticism. On Instagram, Timma struck back at detractors, posting:
“How useless you 99% of my dear followers are. Leave my family alone at least. It’s my decision, and I don’t see anything wrong with it. I play basketball and live my life.”
The news of Timma’s death has sent shockwaves through the basketball world. Boston Celtics and Latvian star Kristaps Porziņģis reacted with disbelief, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“Oh nooo, please tell me it’s not true.”
In a follow-up post, he urged fans to prioritize mental health, adding:
“Human connection is the cornerstone of our mental health. Please, let’s look after one another. Rest in peace, JT.”
Timma’s death has reignited conversations about mental health challenges faced by athletes. Despite their outward success, many endure immense pressure, criticism, and personal struggles behind the scenes.
This tragedy marks a devastating end to the life of a player who had both immense talent and a controversial career. As fans mourn, Timma’s legacy serves as a reminder of the complex realities athletes face beyond the spotlight.