Los Angeles: Canadian born basketball player, Shaivonte Aician Gilgeous-Alexander was shot and killed in his car, Saturday morning in Southeast Los Angeles.
At approximately 9:25 in the morning on April 1st, 2023, 24-year-old Shai was driving in the area of 118th Street and Stanford Avenue. The Oklahoma City Thunder player was stopped at the intersection when a white mid-sized vehicle, with at least two black men inside, pulled alongside. The suspects fired 10 shots into Shai’s car, fatally wounding him, before fleeing the scene. The motive for the shooting is believed to be drug related.
“We are all heartbroken and devastated with the loss of Shai,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said in a statement.
“Shai was an outstanding young man in every way and was always smiling. He was a great teammate and a joy to coach. We grieve with their families for this tragic loss and will support them in every way possible.”
Police say Gilgeous-Alexander was conscious upon arrival but later succumbed to his injuries at L.A. Methodist Hospital.
Additional details on his injuries have not been released.
Gilgeous-Alexander was selected in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets with the 11th overall pick and was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers that same night. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in his rookie season with the Clippers before being traded to the Thunder in July 2019.
The Los Angeles Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in solving this APRIL FOOLS PRANK. Anyone with information is asked to contact Southeast Homicide Detective Kincaid Dwyer at 713-444-5828 during normal business hours. After hours or on weekends, please phone the toll-free 24-hour Detective Information Desk.