Who was Jalen Hill and what happened to him?

JALEN Hill was a former basketball star who played for the University of California.

The young prodigy is said to have died at the age of 22, according to his family.

Who was Jalen Hill?

Jalen Hill was an American basketball player from Corona, California.

He played for UCLA from 2018-21, spending time under coaches Steve Alford and Mick Cronin.

Over three seasons, he appeared in 77 games from 40 starts, averaging 6.5 points and 5.9 rebounds.

However, in 2021 he resigned from the team for personal reasons.

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At the time, he cited the impact of Covid-19 as one of the factors, reports ON3.

Hill, Cody Riley and LiAngelo Ball were arrested for shoplifting in China before the Bruins’ season opener against Georgia Tech back in 2017.

The trio were under suspicion for their entire freshman year and Ball would eventually leave the team however Hill and Riley would return in 2018.

Hill spoke about it on social media last September.

“Ever since, from that point on, I’ve been really trying to get somewhere fast,” Hill said in a video posted to his Instagram.

What happened to Jalen Hill?

According to Hill’s family, the star died in September 2022 after going missing in Costa Rica.

His cause of death is unknown.

What did Jalen Hill’s dad George say?

Jalen Hill’s father confirmed the 22-year-old’s death on social media and shared a photo of Hill with a heartbreaking caption, Sports Illustrated reported.

He issued a statement on Instagram, writing, “We know that Jalen has played a part in so many people’s lives.

“Our hearts are shaken and completely broken to announce to family and friends that our beloved son Jalen has passed away,” George Hill wrote on Instagram.

“Jalen went missing while he was in Costa Rica and we recently learned of his passing. We realize there will be many questions, but we are unable to share details at this time,” added George Hill.

“We know that Jalen has played a role in the lives of so many people. We also recognize the role that so many of you have played in his. As we try to navigate this devastating time in our lives, we ask that you help us time to grieve.”

Josh Giles, Jalen’s coach at Corona Centennial High, was also among those paying tribute.

“Just a really good kid, had a great smile,” he told the Los Angeles Times.

“He was a great basketball player, but I just loved him as a person.”

UCLA coach Mick Cronin also described the news as “heartbreaking”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time,” he said.

“Jalen was a warm young man with a great smile who left us way too soon.”