The untimely passing of the 32-year-old is likely linked to his recent divorce.
Highlights
- Janis Timma was found deceased in Moscow on December 16, 2024, with his death preliminarily classified as a suicide.
- Timma’s relationship with Ukrainian singer and actress Anna Sedokova was highly publicized, marked by multiple separations and reconciliations, and ended in divorce on December 9, 2024.
- Following their breakup, Timma often shared his emotional struggles on social media, including posts about his pain and suicidal thoughts.
Janis Timma, a Latvian professional basketball player known for his tenure with teams such as Baskonia and Olympiacos, was found deceased in Moscow on December 16, 2024, the 42nd birthday of his ex-wife, Anna Sedokova. He was 32.
Authorities have preliminarily classified his death as a suicide.
Beside his body, a mobile phone displayed a message reading “Call Anna,” referencing his Ukrainian singer and actress ex-wife, from whom he had recently divorced on December 9, 2024.
RIP former NBA player Janis Timma 🕊️ Timma was the 2013 #60 overall pick for Memphis and played in the 2021 Summer League for Orlando & 16 seasons as a professional overseas. He passed away at age 32 after an apparent suicide in Russia. pic.twitter.com/O4W7pf3ZnJ
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) December 17, 2024
Janis And Anna Has A Rocky Marriage
The couple began their relationship in 2019. Their relationship was publicly scrutinized due to Timma’s existing marriage to Sana Timma at the time.
Nevertheless, Janis and Anna married in September 2020, following his divorce in 2019.
Their relationship faced challenges, with reports indicating multiple separations and reconciliations.
Sedokova had previously mentioned providing financial support to Timma during periods when he was without a team.
Anna filed for divorce in October 2024; it was finalized on December 9, 2024.
The divorce was reportedly amicable, with no major disputes over property or custody.
Anna Has Three Children From Three Relationships
Anna Sedokova, born on December 16, 1982, in Kyiv, Ukraine, became famous as a member of the girl group “Nu Virgos” before taking on a successful solo career.
She has released multiple albums and singles, the most notable being “Lichnoe” (2016), “Chto Ya Nadelala” (2012), and “Udalit” (2013).
In addition to her music career, Sedokova has appeared in various television shows and films, such as “The Pregnant (2011),” “Cinderella (2002),” and “Zolotoy grammofon 2008.”
Sedokova is the mother of three children from previous relationships—her eldest, Alina, was born in 2004 from her 2004-2006 marriage with Valyantsin Byalkevich, a Belarusian footballer; her second daughter, Monika, was born in 2011 from her 2011-2013 marriage to Russian businessman Maxim Chernyavsky; and her youngest child, Hector, was born in 2017 from her 2016-2017 relationship with Russian businessman Artyom Komarov.
She had no children with Timma, but he has a good relationship with all of hers.
Timma Played For Multiple Teams And Won Numerous Accolades
Born on July 2, 1992, in Krāslava, Latvia, Janis Timma began his professional basketball career in 2008.
Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, he primarily played as a small forward.
Throughout his career, Timma showcased his talents across various European teams, including Khimki Moscow Region, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Baskonia, Olympiacos, and, most recently, Monbus Obradoiro.
Timma earned several accolades for his impressive basketball achievements, most notably the “VTB United League Young Player of the Year” (2015), “VTB United League Top Latvian Player” (2015, 2016), and multiple selections to the All-VTB United League teams.
He also represented the Latvian national team, including in the European U-18 Championship in 2010 and the EuroBasket tournament in 2015, 2017, and 2022.
Janis Had Been Struggling For A While
Janis and Anna’s breakup was highly publicized, especially by Timma himself, when he would share his emotions on Instagram, posting messages and videos talking about his pain and suicidal thoughts.
In one of these posts, he accused Anna of prioritizing money over their relationship.
He Will Be Remembered
Janis Timma’s tragic end has been met with widespread sorrow and reflection.
His untimely death has not only shocked the sports community but also highlighted the personal struggles he faced.
As fans and loved ones mourn his loss, his legacy as a talented basketball player and the complexities of his personal life will be remembered.
The impact of his passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health and the need for support during difficult times.
Additional Information
- Janis Timma was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 60th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and was later traded to the Orlando Magic. However, he never played in an official NBA game.
- He was named the MVP of the 2013 Baltic Basketball League Finals after leading Ventspils to the championship.
