Getty Jason Collins (left) celebrates with Boston Celtics teammate Paul Pierce during his 2012–13 stint with the team.
Former Boston Celtics center Jason Collins has died at 47 after battling stage 4 glioblastoma, his family confirmed Tuesday.
Collins, a 13-year NBA veteran and the first openly gay active player in major U.S. men’s professional sports, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family, according to ESPN and NBA insider Shams Charania.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” his family said in a statement to ESPN.
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