Gophers mourning death of former standout Taiye Bello

Bello is the all-time leader in offensive rebounds in Gophers history.

Minnesota forward Taiye Bello (5) boxes out Purdue forward Jenelle Grant (22) during the third quarter of a NCAA women's basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020 at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette. Bkw Purdue Vs Minnesota | Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier, Lafayette Journal & Courier via Imagn Content Services,

The Minnesota Golden Gophers women's basketball team on Friday announced the shocking death of former standout Taiye Bello. Details of her death have not been revealed, but her family is calling it a "tragic loss."

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Gopher Women’s Basketball alumna, Taiye Bello.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/vCngyiuvKd

— Minnesota Women's Basketball (@GopherWBB) January 31, 2025

"The Bello/Lawal family is saddened to inform you of the tragic loss of Taiye Bello," an online fundraiser for the family announced Friday. "Taiye was a beautiful daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and creative. She will be greatly missed by all who experienced her light. We ask that you respect our privacy in this time of mourning."

Bello and her twin sister, Kehinde Bello, played for the Gophers from 2016 to 2020.

Taiye started 77 of 122 career games and finished as Minnesota's all-time leader in offensive rebounds, collecting 462 during her career. According to the University of Minnesota, she ranks third all time with 549 defensive rebounds and fifth in program history in field goal percentage (.512), total rebounds (1,011) and blocks (129).

She played on the last Gophers women's team to reach the NCAA Tournament in 2018. That team beat Green Bay in the first round of hte tournament before falling to Oregon in the second round. She scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench in the loss to Oregon.

This is a developing story.