Jason Collins, First Openly Gay NBA Player, Dies at 47

Jason Collins, the first openly gay athlete in a major North American sports league, has died at the age of 47 after being diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, according to a report dated May 13, 2026. Collins, a former NBA player, made history when he publicly came out and later became a global ambassador for basketball, advocating for greater inclusivity in sports. His family remembered him as an inspiration to those who knew him and to admirers worldwide.