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Zeke Upshaw

1991 - 2018

BORN

1991

DIED

2018

Zeke Upshaw Obituary

Zeke Upshaw, a forward with the Grand Rapids Drive in the NBA G League, has died at the age of 26, according to multiple news sources.

Upshaw died at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, two days after collapsing on court during a game against the Long Island Nets.

His mother, Jewel Upshaw, tweeted that her son died Monday morning. She continued, "To family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans & confidants, thank you for your prayers and support during this most difficult time."

The Chicago native played college basketball at Illinois State and Hofstra. He was in his second season with the Drive in the NBA G League, the official minor league of the NBA. The Drive are affiliated with the NBA’s Detroit Pistons.

The Drive released a statement about Upshaw:

"The Drive family is mourning the tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw. He had a warm personality and was a tremendous representative of our organization both on and off the court. Our thoughts are with all of Zeke’s family and friends during this difficult time."
Published by The Gazette on Mar. 26, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Zeke Upshaw

Not sure what to say?





52 Entries

Valenda Newell

April 20, 2018

BLESSINGS

10Jan2018-ZekeUpshaw

Shahid Hadi

April 14, 2018

We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Zeke.

I took this photo of from the NBA G League Showcase this past January.

May God spare your family from future sorrow.

M Bennett

April 10, 2018

Sincere and deepest condolences to Zeke's family. I will surely miss you my brother. May the grace of God cover and keep the family. May you feel the very presence of God with you during this time. God bless.

A Bball Fan

April 5, 2018

Basketball is such a fun game and Zeke lived his love. May the family find comfort in knowing that. And know that his future life now rests in the hands our loving heavenly Father who yearns to return that jubilant life to him. Job 33:25

April 5, 2018

To the family of Zeke, I am sorry for the death of your son. Try to remember that there is no correct way to grieve. Some are able to move on with relative ease. Other cannot. In such cases, the process cannot be rushed, so do not feel compelled to meet some deadline at which point you think you should feel better. Realize though, that no matter how much we love another person, we cannot control their life nor can we prevent time and unforeseen occurrence , from befalling those we love. Mourn and grieve as you must but don't forget that you still have to make the best of the life that is ahead of you. Pray for help to do things to soothe your pain. 1 Corinthians 1:3,4.

pamela mcneill

April 4, 2018

Sending Prayers & Blessings

March 31, 2018

My condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort be with you at this difficult time.

Jackie

March 31, 2018

May God keep family and friends close during this time
Remembering his love and passion of his life
May God grant you strength from above
My prayers are with you

Tracey Ferguson

March 31, 2018

One love .... you will live agian

National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association

March 31, 2018

Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the peace that you seek.

God is in control

Tony Davis

March 31, 2018

Rest in God arms Zeke Upshaw, family I'm praying with you and for you that God will give you perfect peace.
Good Bless!

JMS

March 31, 2018

To the family of Zeke Upshaw: The memory and bright smile of your precious loved one will be remembered by many. May the God of comfort and tender mercies soothe your heart during this most difficult time.

M D

March 30, 2018

So sad to see someone so young pass away. May God bring confront to the family

March 30, 2018

My condolences over the loss of your loved one. May the God of Comfort grant comfort during this most diffcult time. B.Meill(NC)

Alex & Joyce

March 30, 2018

Our prayers are with you.

March 30, 2018

Im So so sorry, what a tradgety indeed. My condolences to the family. May you rely on almighty God to comfort you and grant you peace while we await paradise in the near future.

Tangela S

March 29, 2018

My deepest condolences to the family, friends , and teammates of Zeke Upshaw. May the precious memories of the time you spent together with him help ease the pain of your loss. Look to the God of comfort to strengthen and comfort you during this difficult time.

Justin Lengerich

March 28, 2018

I remember watching him during the Mad Ants Game such a great player

Nick Green II

March 28, 2018

Zeke my man! I remember playing pick up games with you at ISU...saying you be looking and tryna hoop like Melo lol! You were always cool, calm and collect. Rest easy my man! #Foreverremembered

Erika Ivory

March 28, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family of Zeke Upshaw. I pray for your strength to endure during this most difficult time

March 28, 2018

Condolences to the Upshaw family of the loss of Zeke. May God bless you in this time of bereavement.

Evangeline Jenkins

March 28, 2018

sincere condolences to the family, when some one you loved becomes a memory the memory becomes a treasure in your heart and it lives on. may the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. Hosea 13:14

March 28, 2018

His picture gives such a brilliant look into his heart. I am sure this loss stings and I do hope that in time your pain will lessen but truly realize that time and healing is in the hands of the Great Time Giver. May you seek his arms to comfort. 2 Chronicles 6:29-31; John 3:16.

Annette

March 28, 2018

A higher court has called him home. He scored where the points mattered ,
he's gained a crown for eternity. Rest easy young man.

Joan

March 28, 2018

Read the poem by A.E. Housman "To an Athlete Dying Young". My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

March 27, 2018

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

k gibson

March 27, 2018

beautiful soul

March 27, 2018

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

March 27, 2018

God will be with your family and give you peace and comfort.

March 27, 2018

Condolences to the Upshaw family. May God give you all strength and peace in this difficult time.

Christian Love!

March 27, 2018

Condolences to the entire UPSHAW family. Please know that others care about your loss. May happy fond memories and the love and comfort from Almighty God be with y'all.

Mike Brewer

March 27, 2018

I can't imagine the pain of losing a love one so young. My condolences to the family. It is during difficult times like these that we can look to our Heavenly Father for strength. Romans 15:13
May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace by your trusting in Him. Your trusting in Him can bring hope, along with joy and peace. I pray that you find comfort in those words.

March 27, 2018

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

R. C.

March 27, 2018

To The Family Of Zeke Upshaw
My condolences the family during this time of such great sorrow. May the God of all comfort,comfort you and grant you peace now and in the days ahead.

Anthony Waters

March 27, 2018

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Cpr

March 27, 2018

Please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your son Zeke. May God grant you peace during your sorrow (Romans 15:33)

DENISE ZALSMAN

March 26, 2018

MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO THE FAMILY HE WILL BE MISS HE WAS A GOOD BASKETBALL PLAYER GO DRIVE

Linda Irons

March 26, 2018

Prayers beto the Family. May God keep His arms around you......

Daniel Lupi

March 26, 2018

zeke upshaw was the greatest player in the G league playing basketball My condolences go to the Family RIP zeke upshaw .

Kathryn Irby

March 26, 2018

Gone too soon - Rest in Peace, Zeke.

Jacqueline Kimbrough

March 26, 2018

Prayers and condolences to to the family.God bless you through this loss of your dear one.

March 26, 2018

Our deepest sympathy and condolences. We all hurt and feel sorrow because of your loss. It's so shocking when someone is so young and full of life. A parent never expects to bury their child and so we all sympathize with you. May God give you calm and uplift your heavy hearts.

March 26, 2018

My Condolences To The Family;
I'm so sorry for your great loss. May all of the beautiful memories that you all shared with your loved one, bring you all some comfort when sadness sets in.

Adrian Barnette

March 26, 2018

We'll miss you !

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