Jason Collins Cause of Death: How Did the Former NBA Player Die?

Jason Collins, the retired NBA center who became a groundbreaking figure in professional sports, died on May 12, 2026, at age 47 after battling stage 4 glioblastoma.Collins first shared his brain cancer diagnosis in December 2025, revealing that he had undergone surgery and was receiving treatment after doctors discovered a tumor earlier that year.

Though he spent more than a decade in the NBA playing for teams including the New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards, Collins became widely known in 2013 when he publicly came out as gay while still an active player.Following news of his death, tributes from across the NBA and LGBTQ+ communities highlighted both his basketball career and the impact he had far beyond the game.

Learn more about Collins’ cause of death and health battle.Who Was Jason Collins? Collins was a former NBA center who played 13 seasons in the league for teams including the New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards.

In 2013, he became the first openly gay active player in a major North American men’s professional sports league after publicly coming out in a Sports Illustrated cover story.Collins later worked as an NBA Cares ambassador and remained an influential figure in both the sports and LGBTQ+ communities.

Following Collins’ death, NBA commissioner Adam Silver reflected on the athlete’s legacy in a statement.“His impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,” Silver said.

“Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.” What Was Jason Collins’ Cause of Death? Collins died on May 12, 2026, at age 47 after battling stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.He publicly revealed his diagnosis in December 2025, sharing details abo...