Basketball community mourns the tragic losses of Terrence Clarke, Dorian Pinson

Apr 23 2021 3:49PM UTC

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There were a few games yesterday. There was some news, and there were some stories. But to be honest, there are only two that feel right to talk about.

Maybe it is because this past weekend, a friend of mine and former Lincoln Memorial University G/F, Dorian Pinson drowned in Georgia’s Lake Lanier after renting a boat for the afternoon with his friends. His body has yet to be recovered. He was rehabbing a minor injury, but was excited about his next career venture after playing in CEBL and NBL Canada for the past three seasons.

Rest Easy Dorian 🙏 pic.twitter.com/gkZdb1VgRc
— Jeremiah Samarrippas (@JSamarrippasLMU) April 19, 2021

💔💔 pic.twitter.com/HbJBuVWGyW
— Jeremiah Samarrippas (@JSamarrippasLMU) April 19, 2021

His passing feels like a blip in the news, a quick break between updates of COVID-related deaths and mass shootings. An unfortunate palate cleanser from what has become the norm.

And Thursday night, though I didn’t know him personally, the same feeling that I had felt only days earlier came back, when I heard the news of University of Kentucky standout and NBA Draft hopeful Terrence Clarke’s devastating passing in a car accident in Los Angeles. Clarke had signed with Klutch Sports only a day before, and was expected to be a high lottery pick.

His mother’s life was about to change in ways you can only dream about as a mother.

Instead, it became her worst nightmare.

That’s two mothers who have to bury their sons.

Two futures turned to funerals.

Two communities ripped apart in an instant.

Two news stories that deserve more than five minutes of attention.

RIP LIL BRO💕❤️ 💔 pic.twitter.com/IU22MqJjZr
— Shareef O’Neal (@SSJreef) April 23, 2021

Rest In Peace Terrence Clarke
Keep the Clarke family in your prayers 🙏🏾 https://t.co/I0nkTbEDIu
— JJJ (@jarenjacksonjr) April 23, 2021

We are devastated to learn of our own Terrence Clarke's tragic passing. Our hearts are heavy for Terrence, his family and all of us who loved him.https://t.co/u81DDOszPa
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) April 23, 2021

My heart is extremely heavy right now! 🥺 HUG YOUR LOVED ONES! Prayers up to my man Terrence Clarke’s Family! ❤️ MUCH LOVE BRO! #riptclarke
— Tyrese Maxey (@TyreseMaxey) April 23, 2021

Rest Easy Terrence Clarke😞🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/yyAgoEIhcT
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) April 23, 2021

😭😭😭 I love you lil bro 💔 https://t.co/Qc56iX05fp
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) April 23, 2021

pic.twitter.com/5TamXzb7bi
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) April 23, 2021

Rest In Peace Terrance Clarke. I remember hoopin with him in the city when he was still in high school. He was destined for the league. Prayers up to him and his family 🙏🏽 gone way too soon.
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) April 23, 2021

"It's hard to talk about a basketball game."

Brad Stevens reacts to the news of Terrence Clarke dying in a car crash.

Clarke is from Boston and is beloved in the community.

(via @celtics)pic.twitter.com/9MbZvXqqLZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 23, 2021