Former UCLA forward Jalen Hill has died at the age of 22, the school confirmed Wednesday.
“The news of Jalen Hill’s passing is heartbreaking,” UCLA coach Mick Cronin tweeted after the school released a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Jalen was a warm-hearted young man with a great smile who has left us far too soon.”
Our program is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Jalen Hill. We offer our most sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/JOUrHjh9NU
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) September 21, 2022
Hill’s family said in an Instagram post that they recently learned of his death after he went missing in Costa Rica. The family said they were unable to share any details.
“We know Jalen has played a part in the lives of so many people,” his family wrote on Instagram. “We also acknowledge the role that so many of you have played in his. As we try to navigate this devastating time in our lives, we ask that you please give us time to grieve. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.”
Hill, a native of Corona, Calif., played three seasons with the Bruins, averaging 6.5 points and 6.4 rebounds in 77 games. As a freshman, he was arrested in China with UCLA teammates LiAngelo Ball and Cody Riley on shoplifting charges in November 2017. After being suspended for the 2017-18 season, Hill and Riley returned to the Bruins the following campaign.
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In 2020-21, Hill played 14 games before stepping away from the team midway through the season for personal reasons. Although UCLA reached the Final Four, Hill never returned and announced in April of 2021 that he decided to retire from basketball due to his struggles with depression and anxiety.
“I just had to distance myself because the headspace I was in, it was damaging the team,” Hill said in an Instagram video at the time of his retirement. “So I didn’t want to restrict them from achieving their goals too.”
He added in the video that he knew he made the “right decision” and “made my peace with” leaving basketball.
(Photo: Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today)
