Some terrible breaking news: Reports from Florida indicate that Hazell Stoudemire, the older brother of Amar'e Stoudemire, died this morning in a car accident. Here are the details available at the moment, as reported by TMZ:
The accident happened on Route 27 in Lake Wales. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Stoudemire was driving at a "high rate of speed" when he collided with the rear of a tractor trailer.
He died on the scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol says 35-year old Stoudemire was not wearing a seat belt when he smashed into the big rig ... and they are unsure if alcohol was a factor.
This has also been reported in the local paper and confirmed by the team. Amar'e is headed to Florida to join his family and will not play in tonight's game against the Jazz. That's the extent of the information available about the accident right now, but I'll update this post if I find anything more.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Amar'e and the whole Stoudemire family.