SAD NEWS: Toronto Raptors’ RJ Barrett Mourns Death of Younger Brother Nathan

Through a statement from the Barrett family, the Raptors and Canada Basketball announced the death on Thursday.
The death of Nathan Barrett, the younger brother of Raptors player RJ Barrett, was revealed by the Toronto Raptors and Canada Basketball on Thursday.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the loss of our beloved son and brother, Nathan Tyler Barrett, who passed away on Tuesday, March 12, surrounded by his family, church, and friends,” the franchise shared with X (formerly Twitter) a statement from the Barrett family.

The family released a statement on Thursday expressing their “devastation” and their need for solitude.

“Even though this terrible loss has shattered our family, we will always treasure the times we had together and the memories we made. Nathan was a young man of great character who feared God. He was observant, kind, loving, sympathetic, imaginative, inspiring, and determined.”

“Our family would like to request privacy during this trying time, but we are very grateful for the love, support, and prayers that we have been receiving.” Despite his short life, he will always have a special place in our hearts.”

The cause of death remained undisclosed.

According to CBS Sports, Nathan played high school basketball at Florida’s Monteverde Academy, carrying on RJ’s legacy. Chris Stewart, Nathan’s former youth basketball coach, honored the 22-year-old by revealing that he was training to become a pilot.

“Nathan relocated to Florida after just a brief stay with us in grade 7, but the guys always clicked when he was back in Mississauga. In a memorial posted to Instagram, Stewart said, “I saw Nathan last summer, all grown up, with a big smile and he was excited telling me how he was starting school to become a pilot.”

“If you have had the pleasure of getting to know this family, you are aware of the tremendous amount of work they do for the basketball community. Please remember and offer them your prayers,” he said. Give your kids a little extra time to hug you today—no parent should ever have to bury their child. Nathan, you will be sadly missed. RIP.”