As the NBA continues to mourn the loss of trailblazer Jason Collins, his family has provided a glimpse into his final months before his passing. Collins, who made history as the first active athlete in the major American sports leagues to come out as gay, died at age 47 after battling Stage IV glioblastoma.
Fighting the Disease
Collins had been fighting the aggressive brain cancer since November 2024. The diagnosis prompted the family to adjust their holiday plans, as Collins sought advanced treatment options around the world. Elsa Collins, Jason's sister-in-law who is married to his twin brother Jarron Collins, shared emotional reflections on her Instagram story on May 12.
"Obviously it's been a tough day, a tough year," Elsa wrote. Following his diagnosis, the family held a "pre-Thanksgiving dinner" before Jason traveled to Singapore for treatment. She noted that Jason was on the antibody medication Avastin, which slows tumor growth, allowing him to be "more present" during their time together.
Cherished Memories
Elsa emphasized the importance of expressing love and gratitude. "We got the opportunity to tell him what he meant to us," she explained. "So I know that he knows what he meant to us." She added, "I guess this is my way of saying let people know how you feel."
In another Instagram story, Elsa shared a video of the speech she gave to Jason during the family's gathering on November 18, 2024. "I'm so grateful that we're here," she told him. "I'm so grateful that we could do this before you go to Singapore. You know I love you like a brother."
She also thanked Jason for mentoring her three children: Alessandra, Valentina, and Massimo. "I'm so grateful that you've been in their lives, you are in their life, and that you're going to continue to be in their life," she said. "I can't imagine them turning out as amazing as they have — and I know it's because of everybody here playing their own individual role — and I know your role as the amazing Tio Jason cannot be described to a level that it really means. I hope you do know that."
Legacy and Mourning
Collins' passing was confirmed in a statement released by the Collins family on Tuesday. "We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma," the statement read. "Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses."
The NBA community widely mourned Collins, remembering him as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ representation in sports and a beloved figure both on and off the court.
