Latvian basketball player Janis Timma has been found dead after reportedly falling from an apartment building in Moscow. The 32-year-old former EuroLeague player, known for his time with Zenit Saint Petersburg and Olympiacos, was discovered in the stairwell of a high-rise residential building. Initial reports suggest the cause of death may have been suicide.
Timma, who had a successful basketball career, was married to Ukrainian singer and actress Anna Sedokova in 2020, but the couple had filed for divorce earlier this year. Sedokova shared an emotional tribute on Instagram following the tragic news.
Standing at 6ft 7in, Timma was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies as the 60th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. He was later traded to the Orlando Magic and participated in the 2021 NBA Summer League. Timma also represented Latvia in several junior and senior tournaments, including the team that won a bronze medal at the 2010 FIBA U18 European Championship. Over his career, he played 35 matches for Latvia, scoring 338 points.
Timma’s death occurred on the birthday of his ex-wife, Sedokova, and reports indicate a phone with a message from her was found near his body. Recently, Timma faced criticism for his decision to play professionally in Russia despite the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. His choice led to his exclusion from international competition, as Latvian athletes are banned from participating in Russian sports events.
In a statement made to Latvian media in October, Timma defended his decision, saying, “It’s something interesting to me. I thought, why not give it a try?” He later responded to backlash on Instagram, emphasizing that it was his personal choice and urging followers to respect his family’s privacy.
Following the news of his death, NBA star Kristaps Porzingis expressed disbelief on social media, writing, “Oh nooo, please tell me it’s not true.” Porzingis later added, “Human connection is the cornerstone of our mental health. Please, let’s look after one another. Rest in peace, JT.”
