Lorenzen Wright, the former Atlanta Hawks player who had been reported missing, has been found dead.
Authorities told the Associated Press that they could not confirm the identity of a body they found south of Memphis, but Wright’s uncle Wright’s uncle, Curtis Wright, told the AP that police called the player’s father, Herb Wright, Wednesday afternoon with the news he had died.
Two law enforcement officials also confirmed to the Memphis Commercial Appeal that the body was his.
Video ~ (AP) Lorenzen Wright Found Dead
Wright’s mother, Deborah Marion, arrived at the scene Wednesday night with a handful of family members. She crossed the crime scene tape and tried to talk to police when she was told to move back. She sat in a TV van before returning to the tape. Two officers then let her through.
The distraught mother then started running down the road toward the crime scene before being stopped by an officer. She spoke with officers, then walked back past reporters without speaking straight to a van.
The 34-year-old Wright was last seen July 18 when he was expected to fly out of town. His family filed a missing person report July 22.
Wright played in the NBA for 13 years, for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 778 career games, he averaged 8 points and 6.4 rebounds. He is survived by two daughters and four sons.
Wright’s family issued a statement through their cousin, Camella Logan:
“Lorenzen’s family has come together to mourn his loss and honor his legacy. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and condolences as they are comforting at this very difficult time. Additionally, we ask that you please respect our privacy as we try to cope with his sudden loss.”
Related:
Former Hawks Player Missing For Over a Week