The family and friends of a 25-year-old Nigerian basketball player, Timeyin Amatossero-Keke, have been thrown into mourning after he suddenly collapsed and died during a game in his school in Bluefield, West Virginia, United States.
According to officials of Bluefield State College, the young basketball player was playing in an open gym game on Monday night when he knelt down to retie his shoes after finishing a play.
But that was the last kneel of his life as he suddenly collapsed.
He was then rushed by teammates and officials to the Bluefield Regional Medical Center where all efforts to revive him failed.
“It is with a heavy heart this morning that we ask for prayers for our basketball and athletic family.
“Last night we tragically lost one of our very own, Timeyin Amatossero-KeKe.
“Timeyin was sophomore from Lagos, Nigeria and had a passion for our program and his teammates.
“Timeyin had a strong mind and just wanted a chance to play collegiate basketball.
“We ask that at this time you all keep his family and our student-athletes in your thoughts as we deal with this difficult time. Thank you,” read a statement on the school’s basketball team Facebook page.
WVNS quoted the school’s Athletic Director, John D. Lewis, as saying that Timeyin had the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) among the men’s basketball team and was a committed member of his Bluefield community, despite lacking local roots.
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Meanwhile, many of Timeyin’s friends and associates have taken to Twitter to express their shock and grief at the passing of the young athlete.
Read tweets:
Rest In Peace Timeyin. You use to always encourage me when I played football and we use to talk about how we are going to make an impact in sports. Was always proud of how hard you worked to get where you are man. Thank you for looking out for a dude. Rest easy bro🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/bS2u81xukn
— Michael Sonariwo (@SonariwoOnDeck) August 28, 2018
Thoughts with @o_laolu, @DipoDM and other close friends and family members of Timeyin.
Can't imagine what they'll be going through.
— Aondofa Shija 🇳🇬 (@AON_dofa) August 28, 2018
Timeyin’s last text to me yesterday was “I’m about to go to my second practice, I’m worn out priscilla” and I told him if to tell his coach if they don’t sign him to a major team after all this stress we’re gonna have a problem.
Then I wake up to see RIP? Is this a prank?
— •Scilla• (@Houseofscilla) August 28, 2018
He was my brother's best friend,
He was my brother's brother,
He was my brother 💙
He gave the warmest hugs, and never failed to tease, and boy was he funny as hell !
My heart aches.
R.I.P Timeyin 🙏 pic.twitter.com/4UH3Kd97iL
— Feranmi Adeola (@Feranmi_Adeola_) August 28, 2018
I know it’s hard to process this, I’m still numb but I wanna do something so we never forget him and how beautiful his life was so if you have any picture, video, VN or whatever of Timeyin (or messages you wish he could hear), please send to [email protected]
RIP king 💔
— Timilehin O. (@JustTimilehin) August 28, 2018
To all my friends out there, I just want y’all to know I love you from the bottom of my heart. Even if we don’t speak everyday, I just want y’all to know you’re always in my heart and thoughts.
— ego oyibo. (@RubyFiit) August 28, 2018
RIP Timeyin.
There's never really a right time to lose an ambitious person.
— Captain Budweiser (@youknowdipo) August 28, 2018
That’s was my only physical encounter with TIMEYIN KEKE
I found out later that he was in US playing basketball professionally and I was so happy to have helped in chasing his dream
But today, news broke to me that he’s passed away
So painful!#RIPTIMEYIN pic.twitter.com/F6NmI57mqi
— Drew (@drew_oak) August 28, 2018
You died chasing your highest calling. You're a fucking inspiration. Rest in peace Timeyin. 🙏
— Tobias (@laja_O_O) August 28, 2018
Omg I had no Idea it was Timeyin, this is so damn painful. I feel it in my soul cuz I know the kind of individual this man was. Rest In Peace brother. 💔 pic.twitter.com/3aGpGIJujU
— Believe. (@Ebuka_Varcity) August 28, 2018
I wish I could give all of Timeyin’s friends big hugs!!! He definitely was an amazing person and losing such brings great grief… May God Console everyone of you truly!! With tears in my eyes, I pray for healing!! Sorry for your loss Darlings 🖤🖤
— Oolar(E.G.O & T.F.O) (@Bluepearlie) August 28, 2018
You did everything. EVERYTHING to play this basketball. Trained yourself. Practically slept on the court in CU. Now see.
God I have questions. So so many. pic.twitter.com/aotirkXzZu
— ego oyibo. (@RubyFiit) August 28, 2018