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Former NBA Star Jason Collins Dies at 47 from Glioblastoma

5/13/2026

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Summary

Jason Collins Dies

Jason Collins died at age 47 on May 12, 2026, from stage 4 glioblastoma, with his family saying he passed peacefully at his Florida home.
He was diagnosed in December 2025, received experimental treatment in Singapore, and attended the February 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.
The cancer returned, preventing his attendance at the Green Sports Alliance Summit where his brother Jarron accepted the Bill Walton Global Champion Award.

Summary

Jason Collins Marries

Jason Collins married film producer Brunson Green in May 2025, marking a high-profile same-sex union among former athletes.
Jason Collins was listed in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, emphasizing his cultural impact.
The National Basketball Players Association called Jason Collins a trailblazer whose legacy of bravery and inclusion will resonate.
Jarron Collins serves as an assistant coach for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Summary

Leaders Pay Tribute

Former President Barack Obama personally called Collins’s family to offer support after his death.
NBA star Steve Nash said he felt “maximum respect” for Collins.
Kobe Bryant quickly voiced support for Collins following the news.
Former President Bill Clinton sent condolences, noting his daughter Chelsea had been Collins’s Stanford classmate.
The White House praised Collins’s courage and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

History

Historical Context

In 1975 David Kopay became the first major-league athlete to publicly identify as gay, sparking a gradual shift in sports culture. Six former NFL players—including Roy Simmons (1992) and Carl Nassib (2021, the only active player) – later came out, while NBA veteran Jason Collins announced his sexuality in 2013, reinforcing Kopay’s pioneering impact on LGBTQ+ visibility.

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Jason Collins Dies

Jason Collins died at age 47 on May 12, 2026, from stage 4 glioblastoma, with his family saying he passed peacefully at his Florida home.
He was diagnosed in December 2025, received experimental treatment in Singapore, and attended the February 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.
The cancer returned, preventing his attendance at the Green Sports Alliance Summit where his brother Jarron accepted the Bill Walton Global Champion Award.

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