- Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns’ mother Jacqueline died due to complications with COVID-19, the team announced in a statement on Monday.
- Towns recorded an emotional video encouraging fans to take the coronavirus seriously three weeks ago when his mother was hospitalized and put in a medically induced coma.
- Around the NBA, Towns’ players and media alike offered their support and condolences to Towns and his family.
- Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.
Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, the mother of Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, died due to complications from COVID-19, her family said on Monday. She was 58.
“Jackie was many things to many people — a wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend,” the Towns family said in a statement. “The matriarch of the Towns family, she was an incredible source of strength; fiery, caring, and extremely loving person, who touched everyone she met. Her passion was palpable and her energy will never be replaced.”
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 13, 2020
In March, Towns posted emotional video warning people to take the virus seriously after his mother was placed in a medically induced coma because of COVID-19.
"She was deteriorating in front of our eyes," he said. "She kept getting worse, she kept getting worse, and the hospital was doing everything they can."
It was clearly a difficult moment for Towns, but he said he hoped that sharing his story would help educate and inform the public about the seriousness of COVID-19.
"This disease needs to not be taken lightly," he said. "Please protect your families, your loved ones, your friends, yourself. This disease is ... It's deadly. It's deadly."
When news of his mothers' death broke on Monday, former teammates and competitors from around the lead shared their condolences on Twitter.
Tyus Jones, Memphis Grizzlies
Thoughts and prayers to @KarlTowns and his family. Can’t believe it. RIP Mrs. Towns
— Tyus Jones (@1Tyus) April 13, 2020
Alex Caruso, Los Angeles Lakers
— Alex Caruso (@ACFresh21) April 13, 2020
John Wall, Washington Wizards
Sending my love and prayers to my brother @KarlTowns and his family❤️ 🙏🏾
— John Wall (@JohnWall) April 13, 2020
Chris Paul, Oklahoma City Thunder
Man... thoughts and prayers with you and the entire family @KarlTowns 🙏🏾
— Chris Paul (@CP3) April 13, 2020
Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
Prayers for @KarlTowns and his family.
— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) April 13, 2020
Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
😢😢 damn man this hurts!! Sending love and prayers your way @KarlTowns ❤️ https://t.co/UyAz9UJdiL
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) April 13, 2020
Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers
Praying for Karl-Anthony Towns and his family! 🙏🏽
— Collin 'Young Bull' Sexton (@CollinSexton02) April 13, 2020
Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
I’m so sorry @KarlTowns love you bro! Thoughts and prayer to your family.
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) April 13, 2020
Thaddeus Young, Chicago Bulls
My deepest condolences to the Towns family. I know the feeling of losing a mother. Just know @KarlTowns your brothers are here for you and the fam during this difficult period. #NBATogether
— THAD YOUNG (@yungsmoove21) April 13, 2020
ESPN personality and former NBA center Kendrick Perkins
Praying for @KarlTowns and his family. Rest In Peace Mrs Jacqueline Towns! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾😔😔😔
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 13, 2020
Former NBA guard Isaiah Thomas
Praying for KAT and his family right now!!!!! God please be with him
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 13, 2020
Former NBA guard Jamal Crawford
Mrs. Towns was always warm and sweet. Praying for the whole Towns family. RIP....🙏🏾
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) April 13, 2020
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