THE son of a VCU Rams basketball star has tragically passed away aged just 13.
Rising star Jaylen Martinez died on Monday according to multiple local reports.
Martinez, son of Virginia Commonwealth University basketball hero Joey Rodriguez and former VCU cheerleader Ciera Anai, was due to start high school in the fall at Benedictine College Prep.
Benedictine college announced the sad news with a post on social media via Preparatory Head of School Greg Lilly.
It read: “It is with deep sorrow that I share the heartbreaking news that Jaylen Martinez, an incoming Cadet of our Class of 2029, died suddenly on Monday.
“We do not have further details to share at this time, but we ask that you keep Jaylen’s family in your prayers”.
Meanwhile VCU Basketball said they were “heartbroken” by Martinez’s passing.
VCU vice president and director of athletics Ed McLaughlin said in a statement: “His competitor’s spirit and love of the game endeared him to everyone here who had the opportunity to get to know him through Ciera and his father, VCU Basketball alumnus Joey Rodriguez.
“There are no adequate words to soothe his loved ones’ pain, but the entire VCU Basketball community stands ready to provide whatever love and support we can to lift the Martinez and Rodriguez families during this devastating time.”
Martinez’s father was a star point guard for VCU between 2007 and 2011 and Final Four legend, later becoming assistant head coach FIU in Miami.
While the youngster himself had a promising future in basketball, helping lead his team Liberty Middle School in Ashland, Va. to a county championship last year.
Martinez’s mother, Ciera, told the Richmond-Times Dispatch that her son’s passing was “an accident” that occurred while he was at a friends house.
She added: “He was such a light, he lit up every room. He was my best friend. He was my world.”
“He made such an impact on so many, he was so loved.”
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