Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire rushed home on Monday to be with his family after learning that his brother died tragically in a car accident after his SUV slammed into the back of a trailer.
It’s unclear when Stoudemire will return to the team.
“Our thoughts and prayers and everything’s with him, and whatever time he needs to take, he’ll take, and then we’ll get him back as soon as possible,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said, according to the Associated Press.
D’Antoni added: Stoudemire “cherishes his family and he does a great job of maintaining all relationships.”
Police said Hazell Stoudemire, 35, died at the scene after his Escalade crashed around 1:40 a.m. He was not wearing a seatbelt, according to police. Hazell was driving at a “high rate of speed,” according to multiple reports.
Police are continuing their investigation. It’s unclear if alcohol was a factor.
Hazell, one of Amare’s four brothers, was also a talented basketball player growing up, but he faced some legal troubles during his life. According to the New York Daily News, Hazell ended up in prison at the age of 22 for drug dealing and sex abuse.
Despite not having Stoudemire—and Carmelo Anthony who sustained a groin injury early in the game—the Knicks defeated the Utah Jazz 99-88 on Monday night. The team was once again led by Harvard point guard Jeremy Lin who scored 28 points and dished out eight assists, playing all but three minutes.
