Latvian basketball star Janis Timma, 32, has tragically died after reportedly falling from a high-rise apartment building in Moscow, local media reported. The incident occurred on Monday, which coincidentally marked the birthday of his ex-wife, Ukrainian singer and actress Anna Sedokova. Authorities have preliminarily ruled the cause of death as suicide. A phone containing a message from Sedokova was reportedly found near Timma's body.
Timma enjoyed a successful career in European basketball, playing for teams like Zenit Saint Petersburg and Olympiacos. He was selected 60th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies and later traded to the Orlando Magic, where he played in the 2021 NBA Summer League. Internationally, Timma represented Latvia at various tournaments, earning a bronze medal at the 2010 FIBA U18 European Championship and scoring 338 points in 35 senior appearances.
In October, Timma faced backlash after announcing his intention to play professionally in Russia amid the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Latvian athletes are banned from competing in Russia, but Timma defended his decision in an interview with LSM, saying, “It’s something interesting to me. Thought why not give it a try?” He later addressed critics on Instagram, insisting, “It’s my decision, and I don’t see anything wrong with it.”
News of Timma’s death shocked the basketball community. Latvian and Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis expressed disbelief on social media, urging fans to prioritize mental health and support one another. “Rest in peace, JT,” Porzingis wrote, paying tribute to his fellow countryman.
