For the second time in less than a week tragedy has struck the UCLA basketball family, as it was reported on Tuesday that the body of former player Billy Knight was found early Sunday morning in Phoenix.
According to the Los Angeles Daily News, Knight’s body was found by members of the Phoenix Fire Department and he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter by Phoenix Police. The cause of Knight’s death will be determined after the Maricopa County Medical Examiner runs a full autopsy.
Knight posted a video to his YouTube page that was published July 8, the same day his body was found, in which Knight discussed his struggles. (WARNING: The video is disturbing and could be triggering for people that have or are currently dealing with depression.)
Shortly after it was learned that Knight passed away members of the UCLA basketball family, including former teammates, friends and media members took to social media to send their condolences. Knight, who attended Westchester High School in Los Angeles, played at UCLA from 1997 to 2002.
Our hearts are heavy after learning Billy Knight has passed away. We ask that the Bruin family keep Billy’s loved ones in their thoughts during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/9WssEUnvbY
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) July 10, 2018
Sad. Sad. Sad. Rest Easy Billy Knight. Another bruin gone. Another athlete gone. Mental illness IS NOT A JOKE!!! I’m here for EVERYONE who needs to talk. We ALL go through problems. Don’t be AFRAID TO GET HELP!! #awareness #MentalHealthMatters #SpeakUp
— Lorenzo Mata “Matador” (@RealMataLo14) July 10, 2018
From watching you as a little kid constantly dribbling your basketball up and down our neighborhood streets, to playing together at UCLA, I always loved your work ethic and spirit. I will… https://t.co/14R9ux4fTp
— TOBY BAILEY (@toby_bailey) July 10, 2018
RIP Billy Knight pic.twitter.com/feoRiYNRfQ
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) July 10, 2018
RIP Billy Knight. Ended his life. Encouraged others not to follow his example, but to seek help. SAD.... pic.twitter.com/9zeqVcoTFo
— Elder Marques Johnson (@olskool888) July 10, 2018
On Friday it was reported that Tyler Honeycutt, who played two seasons at UCLA, was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, California home after a standoff with a Los Angeles Police Department SWAT team.
Honeycutt’s death, which occurred after he barricaded himself in his home, is being investigated as a suicide.