Former NBA player Brandon Hunter dies after collapsing during workout

NBA player Brandon Hunter, who played short stints with the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic in the mid-2000s, died Tuesday after collapsing after a hot yoga workout in Orlando. He was 42 years old.

A Cincinnati native, Hunter was a college standout at Ohio University before playing in the NBA and enjoying a long career as a journeyman in European basketball.

“We are saddened to hear about the loss of Ohio basketball legend Brandon Hunter,” the university said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Brandon’s family at this time.”

His mother-in-law told NBC News that his collapse during a hot yoga session was a shock to the family.

“It was hot yoga, and he did it regularly,” Carolyn Cliett said. “He was in good shape as far as we know. We’re just shocked.”

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

The Orlando Magic shared a statement mourning the loss of Hunter, writing on X, “We are terribly saddened to learn of the loss of our former teammate, Brandon Hunter. We send our deepest condolences to the entire Hunter family.”

As a Bobcat, Hunter was a three-time first-team All-MAC honoree and led all of college basketball in rebounds in 2003.

He is the school’s all-time leader in rebounds, gathering 1,103 boards in his four years in Athens.

Former Ohio University coach Bill O’Shea remembered Hunter as “the best player I ever had the good fortune of coaching” and remarked on his post-basketball success as a player agent.

“We stayed in touch over the years, and I was incredibly proud of the husband, father, and citizen he became.. please keep his family in your prayers.

you B Hunt

,” O’Shea posted on Facebook.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

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