Young basketball player Jake McKinlay has reportedly died following a severe car crash and a truck on State Highway 1 in the Horowhenua district.
Jake McKinlay was a New Zealand basketball player who played for Manawatu Jet as a small forward. He is a former student of Palmerston North Boys’ High School (PNBHS), has been a highly adorned junior player in current years.
Likewise, Jake was a captain of the victorious 2018 PNBHS Premier squad and named the New Zealand Secondary Schools Tournament Team.
McKinlay debuted for the Jets in the same year, entering just a handful of players to get game time in the Sal’s NBL while still at high school. Moreover, he was one of the skilled players of his team.
McKinlay was at the peak point of his career but couldn’t make it as he had already taken his last breath. The sudden death news of Jake made the world astounded and devasted.
Who Is Jake Mckinlay?
Jake McKinlay was a competent young basketball player hailing from New Zealand. McKinlay was rising in basketball, and he had played in various games.
He was coached by Tim McTamney, who also gave him his first opportunity with the Jets at the NBL level. Besides, Jake was born on April 06, 2001, to his parents.
His age is 20 years old as of 2021. The 6 feet 7 inches basketball player also participated in the 2018 FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup.
Many people also loved his performance, and Jake was fascinated with the chance to represent the Manawatū and the Jets franchise again in 2021.
Obituary- Jake Mckinlay Death In Car Crash
Jake McKinlay’s obituary came on Monday morning, which said he was killed in a car crash. He tragically passed away in a sober crash involving a car and a truck on State Highway 1 in the Horowhenua district.
The news of his passing was announced through a Facebook post. The Manawatū Jets announced the sad news, which left the whole basketball fan surprised.
More investigation about this incident is still going on. Now, his fans and well-wishers are mourning his death and are paying tribute through various online platforms.
We’re devastated to hear of the loss of former @manawatujets star Jake McKinlay.
Our thoughts go out to the basketball community in the Manawatu and Wellington, and we send all our aroha to his friends and family.
We will miss you Jake ???
— NZNBL (@nznbl) December 20, 2021
Jake Mckinlay Wife Or Girlfriend
Jake McKinlay did not have a wife or a girlfriend as he was just 20 years old at the time of his last breathe. McKinlay was focused more on his career rather than getting into romantic affairs.
Also, Jake was private and never talked openly about his love life. Talking more about his personal life, McKinlay’s family and parents are devastated as they lost the most significant part of their lives.