October 19, 2005 by

Jason Collier

2 comments

Categories: Sports

jcollier.jpgJason J. Collier, a professional basketball player who spent the last two years playing power forward and center for the Atlanta Hawks, died on Oct. 15 of a sudden heart rhythm disturbance caused by an abnormally enlarged heart, an autopsy showed. He was 28.
At Central Catholic High School in Springfield, Ohio, Collier was named “Mister Basketball Ohio.” He played college-level basketball at Indiana before transferring to the Georgia Institute of Technology. His father, Jeff Collier, played at Georgia Tech from 1972 to 1976, and Jason initially wore No. 52 in his honor.
In 2000, the 7-foot, 260-pound center was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. He was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he played backup for three years, then signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2003.
Collier joined the Atlanta Hawks in 2004, and started 44 games — averaging 5.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 13.5 minutes. He scored a career-high 22 points against Washington last season and pulled down 11 rebounds against Toronto. Although he was not projected to start this season, Collier passed his preseason physical and was considered a top backup. In two preseason games, he averaged 3.5 points and 3 rebounds.
Early Saturday, Collier experienced breathing problems and collapsed. His wife Katie called 9-1-1 and performed CPR until the ambulance arrived, but he died on the way to the hospital. He is also survived by his two-year-old daughter, Ella.
The Hawks plan to wear black shoulder patches on their uniforms in remembrance of Collier. His uniform will also remain inside his locker through the season.
Complete Coverage From the Atlanta Hawks

2 Responses to Jason Collier

  1. Paulette Speight

    I will remember you
    Will you remember me?
    Don’t let your life pass you by
    Weep not for the memories
    Remember the good times that we had?
    I let them slip away from us when things got bad
    How clearly I first saw you smilin’ in the sun
    Wanna feel your warmth upon me, I wanna be the one
    I will remember you
    Will you remember me?
    Don’t let your life pass you by
    Weep not for the memories
    I’m so tired but I can’t sleep
    Standin’ on the edge of something much too deep
    It’s funny how we feel so much but we cannot say a word
    We are screaming inside, but we can’t be heard
    But I will remember you
    Will you remember me?
    Don’t let your life pass you by
    Weep not for the memories
    I’m so afraid to love you, but more afraid to loose
    Clinging to a past that doesn’t let me choose
    Once there was a darkness, deep and endless night
    You gave me everything you had, oh you gave me light
    And I will remember you
    Will you remember me?
    Don’t let your life pass you by
    Weep not for the memories
    And I will remember you
    Will you remember me?
    Don’t let your life pass you by
    Weep not for the memories
    Weep not for the memories
    By Sarah McLachlan

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