SUDBURY -- Officials with The Sudbury Five have confirmed that Forward Carl Lewis has passed away at age 19.
CTV News has confirmed with police in Los Angeles, California that he was shot and killed on Nov. 17.
Police said Lewis was sitting alone in a car at 10: 45 a.m. when he was shot "multiple times." He was pronounced dead at the scene. No motive is known at this time.
Lewis, who is from Lynwood, California, joined the Sudbury basketball team in the 2019-2020 season and played 18 games.
The 6'10" National Basketball League of Canada player signed with the team Nov. 2019, his first professional basketball contract.
The team released a statement on Lewis' sudden passing Wednesday morning:
"The entire Sudbury Five organization is deeply saddened and devastated by the sudden loss of Carl Lewis III. The Sudbury Five express our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and fans.
Our hearts hurt and words cannot express the loss. Carl Lewis was an extremely talented young man, who was a valued member of the team. He will be greatly missed by all and forever remembered."
Sudbury Five General Manager and Head Coach Logan Stutz expressed shock and sorrow at the news.
"As a coach, I think you prepare for a lot of things, but the death of a player is something you don’t ever expect or prepare for. It’s definitely tough right now," said Stutz. "He was just so young, I think what makes it even tougher, is that he was only 19. Like many 19-year-olds, he drove me crazy at times, but no player made me laugh like Carl he always knew how to make you smile. I will miss that for sure. Looking back, he always gave me these huge hugs and I would hug him back. I did not know then, but I think I understand now, how much that meant to him. We will always remember Carl. He was just a special player and a special person."
A fan page on Facebook posted its condolences.
More to come on this tragic news.
