Jason Collier

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Jason Jeffrey Collier (born September 8, 1977, in Springfield, Ohio - died October 15, 2005 in Cumming, Georgia) was a professional basketball player in the NBA. At death, the seven foot tall center Collier weighed 250 lb.

Collier led Catholic Central High School of his hometown Springfield to the 1996 Ohio State Basketball Championship. After transfering from Indiana, he completed his college career at Georgia Tech and was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 15th overall pick of the 2000 NBA Draft. He was traded on draft day to the Houston Rockets in exchange for their pick, Joel Przybilla. He then played for the Rockets and the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 5.6 points per game over his career.

Collier passed away suddenly at the age of 28 on October 15, 2005 in Cumming, Georgia. His autopsy indicated that he died because of a "sudden heart rhythm disturbance caused by an abnormally enlarged heart" [1]. It was reported that he experienced shortness of breath before losing consciousness. Medical treatment was performed by EMTs, but Collier died in route to the hospital.

The Hawks plan to retire his jersey #40 next month.