76’ers Joel Embiid’s younger brother Arthur has died

Sending prayers to Philadelphia 76’ers Joel Embiid and his family. Embiid’s younger brother Arthur passed away on Thursday. The cause of death and location in Africa was not disclosed.

20-year old Embiid learned of the news while in Philly and was accompanied by Sixers coach Brett Brown, president and general manager Sam Hinkie and teammate and fellow Cameroon native Luc Mbah a Moute. Embiid’s parents and younger sister Muriel live in Cameroon.

“We obviously consider our organization and members of our organization to be a huge family,” Sixers public relations director Michael Preston said before tipoff, “so when something of this nature occurs, it trumps a game, so they will not be in attendance tonight. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Joel and his entire family.”

Embiid is a native of Cameroon and only began playing basketball five years ago at the age of 15. he was the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft following his freshman year at Kansas.

photo via JoelEmbiid