Devin Butts was a talented and promising basketball player who tragically passed away on Friday, May 7, 2023. He was only 22 years old and had a bright future ahead of him. Butts was a student at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where he played for the men’s basketball team. He was also on track to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral and social sciences this summer.
But what caused his sudden death? How did he collapse on the court just a few days before his demise? Here is what we know so far about Devin Butts’ cause of death and the circumstances surrounding his tragic loss.
The Collapse
According to NCCU athletic director Louis Perkins, Butts collapsed on the court while playing basketball at the university campus on Monday, May 3, 2023.He was immediately taken to the hospital, but the cause of his health problems was not revealed at the time.
Perkins said that Butts was playing with some friends and teammates when he fell out. He said that it was hard for him to come to grips with what happened. “It’s just so hard for me to even come to grips with right now,” Perkins told The News & Observer. “Just playing basketball and fall out.”
Perkins also said that Butts was in good spirits and had a positive attitude after the incident. He said that he visited him at the hospital and talked to him about his plans for the future. “He was talking about coming back next year and playing,” Perkins said. “He was looking forward to graduating.”
The Death
Unfortunately, Butts did not recover from his collapse. He died on Friday, May 7, 2023, four days after the incident. The NCCU Department of Athletics confirmed his death in a statement posted on Facebook. However, they did not disclose his cause of death or any other details about his condition.
“We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Devin. This is a devastating tragedy for our team, fans, and the entire NCCU community,” men’s basketball head coach LeVelle Moton said in the statement. “Devin will always be remembered as an incredible teammate that had an infectious smile at all times. Our heartfelt condolences are with his family and those who were blessed to know him.”
The statement also said that Butts’ funeral arrangements will be announced by his family in the near future.
The Legacy
Devin Butts was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. His parents are Derex and Latashia Butts. Besides basketball, Butts loved shopping, watching movies and TV shows, as well as spending time with his family.
Butts started his basketball career at Stratford Academy in Macon, where he was a three-star prospect according to 247sports.com. He committed to playing at Mississippi State University in 2019, but transferred to Louisiana-Lafayette University after one season. He then moved to New Mexico Junior College before joining NCCU in 2020.
Butts was a 6-foot-5 wing player who specialized in three-point shooting. He averaged 5.4 points in 17 games for the NCCU Eagles last season. His best performance came in the MEAC Championship quarterfinals, where he made five three-pointers in a win over Delaware State University on March 8, 2023.
Butts had one more year of eligibility left and intended to play basketball next year. He also planned to earn his degree this summer.
Devin Butts was a young man who had a passion for basketball and a bright future ahead of him. His sudden death has shocked and saddened many people who knew him or followed his career. He will be missed by his family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans, and the entire NCCU community.
