Latvian basketball player Janis Timma, who played for the Orlando Magic in the Summer League, passed away on Monday aged 32 after apparently committing suicide, according to the Russian news agency Tass. An unnamed emergency services official told the publication that Timma’s body was found in front of a residential building in Central Moscow and that the preliminary cause of death was suicide.
The official also revealed that a phone was lying next to Timma and contained his last wish. While this individual didn’t share what the message was, a source told REN TV that the phrase “call Anna” and a phone number appeared on it.
The Anna in question here is Anna Sedokova, a popular Ukrainian singer and Timma’s ex-wife. While it remains unclear why he might have taken this drastic step, several outlets speculate that the troubles in their relationship in recent months, which led to a divorce, could be the reason for it.
Timma and Sedokova’s relationship first came to light in 2019 and the two got married on Sept. 6, 2020, in Barvikha, near Moscow. It didn’t always come across as a very happy marriage and she filed for divorce this fall. The couple officially separated in September but it appears they were still keeping in touch.
It has been reported that Timma’s phone found at the site contained a message from Sedokova asking for a callback. It’s unclear if that wish was fulfilled before his passing.
The news of Timma’s death has understandably stunned Sedokova, who celebrated her 42nd birthday on the same day of her ex-husband’s passing. She was in tears in a video she posted on Instagram.
Something fishy in Russia. Famous basketball player Janis Timma committed suicide
– He had a message from his actor ex-wife Anna Sedokova on his phone
– Reportedly jumped from a window
– The two recently got divorced after what looked like a troubled marriage
– This is first… pic.twitter.com/RKMWZWJgM7
— Yash Bajaj (@aye_nakli) December 17, 2024
Sedokova stated that her life had been “hell” in recent years and requested that her followers help her shield this information from her children. She didn’t have any children with Timma but did from her previous relationships. While Sedokova tries her best to recover from this shocking news, the Russian authorities are looking deeper into this case and it will be interesting to see what comes out of their investigation.
Janis Timma’s Basketball Career
Timma was born on July 2, 1992, in Kraslava, Latvia, and grew up playing basketball. At age 15, he moved to Riga and joined ASK Riga’s youth system. Timma would make some appearances at the senior level too but the team dissolved in 2009 and he joined DSN Riga.
Timma helped DSN Riga win the Latvian second-division title during his time there and moved to Liepajas Lauvas in 2011. A year later, he joined Ventspils and led them to the Baltic Basketball League championship in 2013. He was named MVP for his efforts and declared for the NBA Draft.
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Timma with the 60th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft but he never ended up playing for them. In 2015, the Grizzlies traded his draft rights to the Magic in exchange for Luke Ridnour.
Timma still didn’t head over to the U.S. while all this was happening, as he continued to ply his trade in Europe. He led Ventspils to the Latvian League Championship in his second season and was named MVP of the playoffs.
Another Latvian League Championship would follow in 2015 after Timma joined VEF Riga. He was enjoying a tremendous amount of success at this point, but it wouldn’t last. Timma would suit up for the likes of Zenit Saint Petersburg, Baskonia, Olympiakos, Khimki Moscow, and UNICS Kazan but didn’t have the kind of team success that he had in the past.
Then in 2021, Timma would finally get to play for the Magic when he was added to their 2021 Summer League roster. He played five games and averaged 7.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks in them. He would later spend time with their G League affiliate before heading overseas again.
Timma last played for Monbus Obradoiro in Spain and the team extended their heartfelt support to his friends and family in this difficult time on X.
As for Timma’s national team career, he appeared in 35 official games for Latvia, scoring 338 points. He played alongside Kristaps Porzingis then and the Boston Celtics star took to X to send a message after his passing.
“Human connection is the cornerstone of our mental health. Please look after each other. Rest in Peace, JT.”
May Timma rest in peace indeed. This is a big loss for the basketball world and a reminder of the importance of taking care of your mental health. It’s okay to seek help and understand that you’re never alone.
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