Nathan Barrett, Younger Brother of Knicks Ex RJ Barrett, Passes Away
Nathan Barrett, the younger brother of former New York Knick and current Toronto Raptor RJ Barrett, has passed away. His former youth basketball coach Chris Stewart revealed the tragic news on Instagram on Thursday.
The younger Barrett's age and cause of death have not been disclosed.
"Nathan was only with us for a short time in grade 7 before he moved to Florida but whenever he was back in Mississauga the boys connected," Stewart explained. "I saw Nathan last summer, all grown up, a big smile and he was excited telling me how he was starting school to become a pilot."
Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY SPORTS
"I always tell my former players if you were on my team even one season you will always be family and don’t forget it. If you have had the pleasure of knowing this family you know how much they do for the basketball community so keep them in your thoughts and prayers.No parent should ever have to bury a child, hug your kids today a little longer. You will be missed Nathan, RIP."
Though Stewart mentioned that Nathan was going to pilot school, he too harbored basketball dreams and sought to follow in the footsteps of RJ and their father Rowan. Like RJ, Nathan starred on the high school level at Montverde Academy in Florida.
The elder Barrett brother was traded by the Knicks in December after four-plus seasons with the team. Barrett was listed as out for Wednesday's game against Detroit for "personal reasons" and has already been removed from a Friday contest vs. Orlando.
