A former NBA player and general manager is reported to be dead at the age of 56 after taking his own life.
Riley Blanks, the daughter of Lance Blanks, has revealed that the latter is dead as a result of suicide in an emotional letter published via ESPN. Lance, who was the GM of the Phoenix Suns from 2010-2013, also worked as an analyst for ESPN’s Longhorn Network. According to his daughter, he took his own life last Wednesday.
She wrote:
“On the morning of May 3, 2023, my father, Lance Blanks, took his life.
“People will ask, “How did we not see it?”
“And people will say, “This wasn’t him. Someone like him wouldn’t do this.”
“People will want more information.
“But the fact is we will never truly know why. And we don’t need to. All we need to do is remember him, honor him, celebrate him and pour our love into the family that made him happy.”
Stating that she was compelled to let people know what a remarkable life her father lived, Riley spoke about the good times she shared with Lance, who she described as “my idol, my teacher, my best friend and my confidant.”
The former player and GM played at the University of Virginia and the University of Texas before being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1990. The Longhorns inducted him into their Hall of Honor in 2007.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
He worked as an exec and GM in the NBA after his playing career, transitioning to media thereafter.
“Daddy, Lance, LB, my forever hero, has left a void that cannot be filled,” Riley added. “And yet, I find solace in the promise to honor him with everything he left us. In the loving embrace of my sister, Bryn, I will remember that we are both forever connected to the remarkable man who was our world.”
We at TotalProSports would like to extend our sympathies to Riley, the rest of Lance’s family, his friends, and his loved ones.
R.I.P Lance Blanks – 1966-2023
