This is a sad and stunning development.
Bryce Dejean-Jones, the rookie guard of the New Orleans Pelicans, has died, the Dallas, Texas, County Coroner has confirmed to NBC Sports. Travis Hines of the Ames Tribune broke the news.
Dejean-Jones was just 23.
“It is with deep sadness that the Pelicans Organization acknowledges the sudden passing of Bryce Dejean-Jones,” the Pelicans’ organization said in a statement. “We are devastated at the loss of this young man’s life who had such a promising future ahead of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryce’s family during this difficult time.”
“The NBA family mourns the tragic loss of New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce Dejean-Jones,” the league said in its statement. " Bryce inspired countless people with his hard work and perseverance on his journey to the NBA, and he had a bright future in our league. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Bryce’s family and the entire Pelicans organization during this difficult time.”
The coroner’s office would not give a cause of death, but Shams Charania of The Vertical at Yahoo Sports had the tragic detail.
Pelicans' Bryce Dejean-Jones suffered gun shot to abdomen late Friday, bled to death. Full story coming on passing of promising 23-year-old.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 28, 2016
The account of him being shot has been confirmed by multiple sources, including the Dallas Police Department, which released an incident report to the Dallas Morning News. Here is that report:
“On May 28, 2016, at approximately 3:20 a.m., Dallas officers responded to the 2500 block of Bennett Avenue regarding a shooting. Upon arrival officers found one individual had been shot. The resident of the apartment reported that an individual had kicked open the front door and entered his apartment. The resident, who was asleep in the bedroom, heard the individual enter and retrieved a handgun. He stated he called out to the individual, but was not answered. As the individual kicked the bedroom door, the resident fired his gun. The individual left the apartment and collapsed in the breezeway. The individual was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. This offense is documented on case number 127685-2016 and Dallas Police Homicide is conducting an investigation.”
There are reports Dejean-Jones had been in a fight with his girlfriend and mother of his child, left, and upon returning went to the wrong floor of the apartment building.
Understandably, players who knew Dejean-Jones are grieving.
This Can't be real life... Rest easy lil bro @B2nyce #ripBDJ
— Quincy Pondexter (@QuincyPondexter) May 28, 2016
Can't describe the hurt and sadness. Such Great person and teammate. Gone too soon. Prayers to Bryce's family.
— Jrue Holiday (@Jrue_Holiday11) May 28, 2016
I just lost my best friend/cousin last night enjoy life because you never know if tomorrow is guaranteed love you soldier ! #RIPBDJ
— shabazzmuhammad.eth (@ShabazzMuhammad) May 28, 2016
Dejean-Jones was undrafted out of Iowa State, he was picked up on a 10-day contract by New Orleans this season, but the rash of injuries the Pelicans suffered pushed him into a starting role for 11 games. He averaged 5.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, and to his credit did shoot 37.5 percent from three. On Feb. 19 he took a hard fall and fractured his wrist, which eventually required surgery and ended his season. He was a guy known for attitude problems at the start of his college career at USC the UNLV, but had seemed to mature and his game had as well. He looked like someone who could stick as a reserve guard in the NBA.
Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
