The former NBA player and Orlando Magic power forward Brandon Hunter has passed away. He was 42.
The Orlando Magic confirmed the passing of former NBA player Brandon Hunter, who tragically left this world at the tender age of 42.
“We are terribly saddened to learn of the loss of our former teammate, Brandon Hunter. We send our deepest condolences to the entire Hunter family,” read the statement.
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— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) September 13, 2023
We are terribly saddened to learn of the loss of our former teammate, Brandon Hunter. We send our deepest condolences to the entire Hunter family.
- The DeVos family, players, coaches and staff of the @OrlandoMagic pic.twitter.com/OLs0XMjrdA
The Orlando Magic expressed their profound grief over the loss of their former teammate, saying, "We are terribly saddened to learn of the loss of our former teammate, Brandon Hunter. We send our deepest condolences to the entire Hunter family." These words encapsulated the collective sorrow felt by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
Details surrounding the circumstances of his passing began to emerge when Hunter's mother-in-law, Carolyn Cliett, disclosed that he had collapsed during a session of hot yoga at a studio in Orlando.
Hot yoga, a practice known for its physical intensity, was a regular part of Hunter's routine.
He was widely regarded as being in excellent shape, which made the tragedy even more perplexing. As Carolyn Cliett poignantly stated, "He was in good shape as far as we know. We're just shocked."
Brandon Hunter's journey in the world of professional basketball began when he was selected in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics.
During his tenure with the Celtics, he showcased his talents, contributing an average of 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 36 games. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he was subsequently selected by the Charlotte Bobcats in the expansion draft the following summer.
Hunter's next destination was the Orlando Magic. His time in Orlando saw him continue to make his mark on the court, with an average of 3.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in 31 games during the 2004-05 season.
Following his tenure in the NBA, Brandon Hunter embarked on an international basketball odyssey that spanned nearly a decade.
He plied his trade in various countries, including Greece, Italy, and France, among others. His unwavering dedication to the sport took him to the pinnacle of French basketball in 2013, where he played for Orléans Loiret Basket.
Beyond his playing career, Hunter ventured into sports management.
Standing tall at 6 feet 7 inches, Brandon Hunter was renowned for his prowess as a rebounder.
He etched his name in the annals of college basketball history by leading all of Division I with an astonishing average of 12.6 rebounds per game during the 2002-03 season.
Moreover, he holds the distinction of being Ohio's all-time leader in career rebounds, an impressive feat that saw him amass a staggering 1,103 boards during his four years at Ohio University.
