Jason Collier

Jason 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.
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