'Horrific day': NBA world in mourning over devastating virus tragedy
Jacqueline Towns, mother of Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Karl-Anthony Towns, died on Monday of complications of the coronavirus, the NBA team announced.
“Jackie, as she was affectionately known among family and friends, had been battling the virus for more than a month when she succumbed on April 13th,” the Timberwolves said in a statement released on Monday.
UPROAR: Billionaire owner's 'sick' excuse for sacking 45,000 workers
‘WASN’T LEGAL’: Police commissioner clarifies NRL restart letter
“Jackie was many things to many people - a wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
“The matriarch of the Towns family, she was an incredible source of strength; a fiery, caring, and extremely loving person, who touched everyone she met.”
Heartbreaking news - after a battle with coronavirus. @KarlTowns’ mother Jackie has passed away. pic.twitter.com/Yahn6BTc9k
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 13, 2020
Karl-Anthony Towns had posted an emotional Instagram video on March 25 describing his mother's battle with suspected COVID-19 that eventually saw her sedated and put on a ventilator.
Towns, 24, urged his social media followers to take the issue seriously and follow social distancing guidelines.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Jacqueline Towns was a fixture at Timberwolves games from the start of Karl-Anthony's NBA career in 2015.
NBA world rocked by devastating tragedy
The family expressed gratitude to the “warriors” at Penn Presbyterian Medical Centre in Philadelphia and JFK Medical Centre in Edison, New Jersey - the hospitals where she received care.
After his parents first felt ill at their home in New Jersey, Towns and his sister urged them to seek immediate medical attention and be tested for the virus.
The Timberwolves expressed their condolences for the woman they considered part of their family.
“As Karl’s number one fan, Jackie provided constant and positive energy for him and was beloved by our entire organisation and staff at Target Centre,” the team said.
Towns made a $100,000 donation to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for COVID-19 testing.
NBA players, fans and commentators expressed their shock and sadness on social media.
What a horrible day. Had the opportunity to watch a Wolves game with the Towns family during KAT’s rookie year. Jacqueline was just the nicest, sweetest mom you could imagine. So proud of her son, she couldn’t watch him play without crying. Horrific day for a wonderful family https://t.co/pUKNITueDD
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) April 13, 2020
Rest In Peace to Jacqueline Towns. Throughout his entire career, it’s been evident how special their bond is, and how much love flows through them. Sending so much strength and an abundance of prayers to Karl Towns and his family. pic.twitter.com/mqblb5t22S
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) April 13, 2020
Sick for KAT man... 😢😢😢
— JJ Sullinger (@JJSullinger) April 13, 2020
Prayers to KAT and his family wow 💔💔💔
— Dwayne Polee (@teampolee5) April 13, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with @KarlTowns and the Towns family. #RIP Jackie. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) April 13, 2020
For those who don't know, Jacqueline Cruz made the world go 'round for the Towns family. She was the light. The energy. The beating heart. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed her spirit. My thoughts are with @KarlTowns and the entire family.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) April 13, 2020
Wow... I hope everybody is taking this pandemic seriously... Continue to Pray for every family through this tough time, and hold your Loved ones Close🙏🏽❤️
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) April 13, 2020
Damn man. Praying for KAT and his family. Terrible News https://t.co/y2ZBMbfSxd
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) April 13, 2020
with agencies
