#RIP: First out gay NBA player Jason Collins dies aged 47 #PinkInOurLives #GailyNews

Jason Collins, the first NBA player to come out as gay, has died of brain cancer, aged 47.

Collins’ family shared last week that he died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles. In a statement released through NBA, his loved ones said: “We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma.”

The athlete shared in September last year that he had been diagnosed with brain cancer and was undergoing treatment. Three months later he shared an update that the cancer had progressed to Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.

Collins then travelled to Singapore for an experimental treatment that is not yet available in the US. The treatment allowed him to return home and attend an NBA All-Star Weekend and a game at Stanford, his alma mater.

Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” the statement from his family continued. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”

Speaking to the NBA in December last year, Collins reflected on his decision to come out. “When I chose to come out, there was no scandal or anything,” he said. “This was like, I feel that I am good enough to play in the NBA and by the way, I’m gay. Just so everyone knows cards on the table, this is where I am. Thankfully the Nets were the one team that gave me a tryout.”

The basketball star retired from the sport in 2014 following a successful 13-year career playing with the New Jersey Nets, Memphis, Minnesota, Atlanta, Boston and Washington.

He came out as gay in 2013, making him the first active out LGBTQ+ player in the NBA. He is survived by his family, including his husband Brunson Green, whom he married in May 2025 after more than a decade together.

Our condoleances go out to his husband, family and friends. May he rest in peace.

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