Raptors’ RJ Barrett mourning loss of ‘beloved’ brother Nathan

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Nathan Barrett, the younger brother of Toronto Raptors and Canadian men’s national team standout RJ Barrett, has died, his family confirmed on Thursday evening.  

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“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the loss of our beloved son and brother, Nathan Tyler Barrett, who passed away on Tuesday, March 12, surrounded by his family, church and friends,” the Barrett family said in a news release issued by the Raptors and Canada Basketball.  

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“While our family is devastated by this great loss, we will continue to cherish the memories and time spent together. Nathan was a God-fearing young man of strong character. He was thoughtful, kind, loving, compassionate, creative, admirable and driven. 

“During this difficult time, our family would like to ask for privacy but greatly appreciates the outpouring of love, support and prayers that we have been receiving. Though his time with us was brief, he will live forever in our hearts.” 

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A cause of death was not provided.

RJ did not play in Wednesday’s 113-104 loss to the Detroit Pistons due to personal reasons and will be unavailable until further notice with the Raptors hosting the Orlando Magic on Friday at Scotiabank Arena.

RJ and Nathan are the sons of senior men’s national team general manager and Toronto native Rowan Barrett, who played NCAA Division 1 basketball at St. John’s University before playing professionally abroad. 

Nathan also played basketball, following in his older brother’s footsteps to play high school hoops in the U.S. at Monteverde Academy in the Orlando, Fla., area. 

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Chris Stewart, a board director with the Mississauga Monarchs Basketball Association, said in an Instagram post that the news was “hard to believe” and Nathan “will be missed. 

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“I saw Nathan last summer, all grown up, a big smile and he was excited telling me how he was starting school to become a pilot,” said Stewart’s post, which was published on Thursday afternoon. “I always tell my former players if you were on my team even one season you will always be family and don’t forget it. 

“If you have had the pleasure of knowing this family you know how much they do for the basketball community so keep them in your thoughts and prayers. 

“No parent should ever have to bury a child, hug your kids today a little longer.” 

RJ is in his first season with the Raptors after being part of a trade that sent former starter OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks. The 23-year-old Toronto native is averaging 20.8 points per game, 6.2 rebounds and four assists in 27 games with the Raptors. 

The Duke University product is averaging 19.5 points per game, 5.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists overall, which includes 26 games with the Knicks, who chose him third overall in the 2019 draft. 

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