Janis Timma Dies by Suicide in Moscow

According to reports, Janis Timma, a professional Latvian basketball player, was discovered dead early Tuesday morning on the stairs leading to a residential building located in the heart of Moscow. RIA Novosti, a local news agency, has news support who claim to have access to emergency services. Most sources claim due to suicide. He was 32 years old.

Local media jumped to the conclusion that he died looking for a way to reconcile with his ex-wife, singer Anna Sedokova. A mobile phone was allegedly discovered next to his body. But the investigation is still open.

Timma’s death is a tragedy that has shaken the world of basketball. His former Latvian national teammate Kristaps Porzingis said the following in a post on X:

“Children, believe me, you must value relationships, they can help you in navigating through a tough time. I hope you all treat each other with respect. Rest in Peace, JT.”

Janis Timma – A Legacy on the Court

Janis Timma has made his professional basketball debut based on the youth system of ASK Riga, as he joined the senior squad of the club in 2008.

Timma’s rights were then traded to the Orlando Magic after being selected 60th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2013 Draft. Subsequently, he made an appearance with the Magic during the 2021 MGM Resorts NBA Summer League and played for the Lakeland Magic in the 2022 FIBA Intercontinental Cup.

Timma has repeatedly represented Latvia and he can be truly proud of that. In 2010, he won a bronze medal at the FIBA U18 European Championship and he also made his first appearance with the senior national team in 2014 which means that he was one of the brightest representatives of Latvian basketball.

A Global Career

At the club level, Timma had a successful career in Europe. He recorded 96 games in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, having played for valued clubs such as Baskonia, Olympiacos, Khimki Moscow Region, and UNICS in 2017 and 2021. He also participated in the Basketball Champions League, his last team being Darussafaka Lassa for the season 2023-24.

Timma is a basketball player who has played for a number of clubs all around the globe, He has featured for HK VEF Riga, and Zenit in the Euro Cup, and the Euro Challenge with BK Ventspils, where he has played 38 and 24 games respectively.

A Tragic Loss

The shocking death of Janis Timma is a clear and weighty warning of how mental stability is vital and the struggles people go through that are unseen. He has left the world with an integrity of vocation, talent, and input in the game of basketball within Latvia and outside the country.