A deadly car crash took Terrence Clarke’s life. The Kentucky basketball star is survived by his parents, Osmine Clarke and Adrian Briggs, and three siblings.
Kentucky freshman guard Terrence Clarke died at the age of 19 following a car accident in Los Angeles on Thursday, his university confirmed in a social media statement.
Terrence played as a shooting guard for the Kentucky Wildcats and entered the NBA draft last month.
The basketball player has often spoken about his mother in interviews who has been at his side when he decided to enter the University of Kentucky.
Emotional tributes poured out to Terrence on social media and many people sent their prayers to his family and friends.
Kentucky freshman dies aged 19
Terrence Clarke died at the age of 19 in a deadly car accident on Thursday, April 22nd.
The University of Kentucky confirmed the basketball player’s death in a statement on Twitter which reads: “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.”
Terrence’s coach John Calipari said: “We are all in shock. I am on my way to Los Angeles to be with his mother and his brother to help wherever I can. This will be a difficult period for all those who know and love Terrence, and I would ask that everyone take a moment tonight to say a prayer for Terrence and his family. May he rest in peace.”
Terrence found his passion for basketball watching games at his grandfather’s house. He started playing for the University of Kentucky before his final year of high school at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire.
The basketball star had completed his freshman season at the university and entered the 2021 NBA draft last month.
Who are Terrence Clarke’s parents?
Terrence is survived by his parents, Osmine Clarke and Adrian Briggs. He grew up at Vine Street Community Center and his family later moved to Roslindale.
Osmine was by Terrence’s side when he decided to enter the University of Kentucky in September, 2019.
She previously said that she thought Terrence would go to Duke, explaining in a ‘Day in the Life’ documentary: “I really wanted him to go to Duke. But then I thought about it and I was like, oh no, he’s not a Duke kid. He is more a Kentucky kid.
“You know how, like, Carlton Banks is more like a Duke, but you’re more rough around the edges, like a Kentucky. You’re like Will Smith. That’s how I figured [Kentucky] would be perfect for you.”
Terrence has three siblings, Tatyana Gray, Gavin Clarke and Madison Adrianne.
Tributes paid to Terrence Clarke
Fellow basketball players and fans have paid heartbreaking tributes to Terrence and sent prayers to his family.
NBA player Cassius Stanley said: “Rest In Peace Terrence Clarke. Absolutely devastating to say the least.”
Director of Athletics at DePaul University DeWayne Peevy wrote: “I will always remember the smile on Terrence Clarke’s face when I picked him up from the airport upon his arrival to Lexington last summer. I told my wife Allison, that he was going to be her new favorite player on the team. Praying for his family and friends.”
One social media user added: “Condolences from Arkansas. Another young life gone too soon. Prayers up for his family, friends and loved ones.”