Andre Emmett, a BIG3 and former NBA player, was shot and killed in Dallas on Sept. 23, according to multiple reports.
The 37-year-old basketball player was sitting in his vehicle outside his home on the 1800 block of N. Prairie Avenue at around 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 23, when he was approached by two people, according to the Dallas Police Department Beat.
The news release stated that the two unknown people approached and pulled a handgun. Emmett got into an altercation with them before being shot while running away. Emmett was found by a passerby not very far from his home. The passerby contacted the police.
When the Dallas Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene of the crime, they transported the BIG3 basketball player to the local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and died, the news release stated. According to the release, the two suspects were seen by witnesses—one of the suspects was described as a tall, thin black man wearing a red hat.
The witness saw the two suspects getting into a white Chrysler 300 and fleeing the scene of the crime, driving off on to N. Fitzhugh Avenue towards Ross Avenue, the release stated.
The BIG3 released a statement in a few tweets on Twitter, expressing their shock at Emmett’s sudden death.
“The BIG3 is in a state of shock over the sudden and tragic death of Andre Emmett. Andre was a member of the BIG3 family for two seasons and never without a smile on his face. His kindness towards others and easy-going demeanor made him a joy to be around,” the tweet read.
“We are simply heartbroken by this devastating loss,” a continuing tweet read. “Our thoughts are with Andre’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Emmett played in the National Basketball Association for the Memphis Grizzlies and Nets back in 2004. In his time playing with the NBA, he also played for lesser-known teams and ended up spending a lot of his NBA life overseas, according to USA Today.
In recent years, he had switched from NBA to BIG3, where he spent two seasons. Before his time at the NBA, he played for Texas Tech, being coached by Bob Knight, a Hall of Fame coach, the news outlet reported.
Texas Tech Basketball official Twitter also tweeted in tribute to Emmett, writing, “Thank you for the competitor you were on the court and the incredible person you were off of it. Thank you for there many amazing memories you helped create. That you for inspiring the entire Texas Tech family. Rest in Peace, Dre.”