Former Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knight Jimly Lantaya has passed away.
In a post by Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Saturday, the league said it is mourning the death of Lantaya, who also played for the Gensan Warriors.
"The MPBL is in mourning following the passing of Gensan Warriors player Jimly Lantaya," the league said.
"The Warriors' gentle giant was beloved by family, friends and teammates. A fierce competitor on the court, he was kind, humble and friendly off it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends particularly the Gensan Warriors organization that continued to look after Jimly as he battled illness the last few years."
Lantaya, 24, was part of the Letran squad which won the titles in NCAA Seasons 97 and 98.
"Thank you, Jimly, for your dedication and contributions to the Letran community," Letran said in a social media post.
Back in April, Lantaya revealed he was diagnosed with thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. According to the Mayo Clinic website, thoracic aortic aneurysm is "a weakened area in the body's main artery in the chest."
Lantaya's former teammate Fran Yu also remembered the Letran big man.
"RIP #15 isa sa pinaka masayang tao na nakilala ko," Yu said in his post. "Paalam, champ."
Kyle Tolentino also remembered his late former teammate.
"Rest in Peace Jimlyboy! Salamat sa pagpapasaya mo sa lahat ng nakapaligid sayo! Love you pare mamimiss ka namin ng sobra!"
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
