MOSCOW (AP) — Former NBA draft pick and Latvian basketball star Janis Timma was found dead Tuesday in Moscow in what Russian authorities are describing as an apparent suicide. He was 32.
Timma’s body was discovered in the entrance of a residential building in central Moscow, according to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, citing emergency officials. A phone containing what officials described as his “final wish” was found beside his body.
The preliminary cause of death was listed as asphyxiation, according to the Baza Telegram channel, which maintains connections with Russian law enforcement.
The death comes just one day after the birthday of his ex-wife, Russian-Ukrainian pop star Anna Sedokova, who had announced their divorce this fall after four years of marriage. Sources told Russian media outlet Ren TV that the phrase “call Anya” — Sedokova’s nickname — was found on Timma’s phone.
Sedokova, 42, took to Instagram on Tuesday, visibly emotional, requesting followers help keep news of Timma’s death from her young children. While the couple had no children together, both had children from previous marriages.
Timma had arrived in Moscow two days before his death and was staying at a hotel in the city center, according to media reports.
The basketball player had a significant presence in Russian basketball, playing for BC Zenit St. Petersburg and BC Khimki from 2015 to 2021. His most recent team, Spain’s Obradoiro, released a statement expressing “heartfelt support to Janis Timma’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Originally selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round of the 2013 NBA draft, Timma had built a successful career in European basketball.
The investigation into his death is ongoing.
