NBA Alum Jason Collins Had Surgery 2 Weeks Before Dying

Former NBA player Jason Collins he underwent surgery two weeks before his shocking and unexpected death at the age of 47.

According to the death certificate obtained by Us Weekly on Tuesday, May 19, Collins underwent a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt procedure on April 20. A medical device can be surgically inserted to relieve excess pressure of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that is often caused by hydrocephalus, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Nine days later, Collins underwent surgery to have an inferior vena cava filter inserted. The device can stop blood clots from traveling to the lungs to prevent life-threatening pulmonary embolism, according to John Hopkins.

Collins’ cause of death was respiratory failure. He also suffered from underlying conditions that contributed to his death, including pulmonary embolism, hydrocephalus and glioblastoma (brain cancer).

Earlier this month, Collins’ family announced that the basketball player died on May 12.

“We are saddened to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has passed away after a courageous battle with glioblastoma,” the family said in a statement sent to the NBA. “Jason changed lives in ways he never expected and was an inspiration to all who knew him and those who admired him from afar.”

The statement continued, “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and the exceptional care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”

Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, is survived by her husband Brunson Greenwhom he married in May 2025.

Last year, Collins revealed that he was diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer.

Related: Chelsea Clinton Sends Tribute to Jason Collins After NBA Star’s Death

Chelsea Clinton pays tribute to late NBA star Jason Collins one day after his death. “Heartbroken over the passing of my dear friend Jason Collins,” Clinton, 46, wrote on X on Wednesday, May 13, alongside a throwback photo with Collins. “He was a courageous fan who changed lives, and a kind, thoughtful friend […]

“A few months ago, my family released a brief statement saying I had a brain tumor. It was simple, but intentionally vague,” he wrote in an ESPN story in December 2025. “They did it to protect my privacy while I was mentally unable to speak for myself, and my loved ones were trying to understand what we were going through. But now it’s time for the people who died to hear directly from me. The types of brain cancer came out very quickly.”

Collins was best known for being a professional basketball player for 13 years. He has played for many teams including the New Jersey Newts, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets. After retiring from the game in 2015, he continued to work with the NBA as an Ambassador for Cares, the league’s community outreach program.