Michael Ojo, Nigerian-American basketball player, dies of heart attack at 27

Michael Ojo, a Nigerian-American basketball player, has died after suffering a heart attack during an individual training session. 

According to Eurohoops, the towering 7-feet-1-inch center breathed his last on Friday after collapsing during a practice for Partizan, a professional basketball team in Belgrade, Serbia.

It was gathered that the 27-year-old was taken to a local hospital but doctors were unable to resuscitate him.

“The sudden and shocking death has deeply shaken everyone in the club,” Red Star wrote in a flurry of tweets.

“You will always be part of the red and white family, rest in peace, brother Ojo. IN MEMORY Michael Ojo RIP Rest in peace, our brother, we will forever remember the common moments with the benevolent giant.”

IN MEMORIAM
Michael Ojo RIP

Почивај у миру брате наш, заувек ћемо памтити заједничке тренутке са доброћудним дивом pic.twitter.com/wnsirWZNY4

Advertisement

— Red Star Belgrade (@RSBForum) August 7, 2020

Born in Lagos, the basketball star started his professional career with FMP Belgrade before he moved to Red Star Belgrade, which played in the EuroLeague last season.

Ojo averaged 6.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in the ABA league and 4.1 points and 3 rebounds in the EuroLeague with Red Star.

Tributes have begun to pour in for Ojo as words of his death spread.

RIP Big Fella #MichaelOjo

— selcuk ernak (@selcukernak) August 7, 2020

https://twitter.com/DinoRadoncic6/status/1291706873398386689

We are heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Michael Ojo today.

Advertisement

We send our sincerest condolences to everyone at @kkcrvenazvezda, his family and his loved ones. May he rest in peace. #MichaelOjo pic.twitter.com/mMuM0zBlxj

— Galatasaray Basketbol (@GSBasketbol) August 7, 2020

Advertisement

Prayers for the family, friends, and teammates of Michael Ojo! 🙏🏽

Advertisement

— Kyle Weems (@Kjw3434) August 7, 2020

RIP Michael pic.twitter.com/jFwObMU7DZ

— Florida State Men’s Basketball (@FSUHoops) August 7, 2020

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Michael Ojo. Our thoughts to friends and family. RIP 🙏#RIP #MichaelOJo @kkcrvenazvezda pic.twitter.com/Ed2VVPPQUg

— Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) August 7, 2020

[TRAGEDY] Nigerian-American basketball Centre Michael Ojo dies of heart attack during training . He was just 27 #RIP

— Colin NOT Collins 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@ColinUdoh) August 7, 2020

This definitely a tough one man.. One of the best dudes I done came across. Was the first to welcome me to fsu and was nothing short of a big brother my freshman year and even after.. it’s crazy to think we was just talking about life last week.. Gone miss ya fasho O!! ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/fWJGzkaV29

— Trent Forrest (@TForrest_11) August 7, 2020

https://twitter.com/matt_eissey/status/1291718604904370176

He had a larger-than-life personality and was one of the friendliest human beings you’d run into. Rest In Peace Michael Ojo 🙏🏾 https://t.co/pfcFTOEFrr

— FSU Women's Basketball (@fsuwbb) August 7, 2020

With big sadness BC Crvena zvezda inform that our former player Michael Ojo passed away in Belgrade.

He was 27 years old. Great member of our club, champion, great teammate, great man…

Rest in peace, Michael 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Bm6awe0pW0

— KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) August 7, 2020

Rest In Peace Michael Ojo 🙏

Euroleague Basketball offers its condolences to Mr. Ojo's family, friends, teammates, coaches and the many fans who enjoyed his performances. pic.twitter.com/JWDQ2q8K23

— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) August 7, 2020