34-year-old Turkish basketball player Ilkan Karaman, who played for Çayırova Bld. in Turkey's second league, tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle driven by a drunk driver.
Karaman, 34, was standing on the pavement while waiting for a friend who was getting gas. A vehicle, driven by someone who was allegedly drunk, lost control and mounted the pavement, striking Karaman and causing his death. reported Basketnews.
Throughout his career, Karaman played for prestigious Turkish clubs such as Tofaş, Karşıyaka, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş. While with Fenerbahçe, he won the Turkish Cup in 2013 and the Turkish Championship in 2014.
Karaman was also a regular player for the Turkish youth national team. He participated in the 2013 FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers, where he averaged 10.5 points and 5.8 rebounds over eight games.
In the 2012 NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets selected him as the 57th pick, but Karaman never played in an NBA game.
In late August, news emerged about the tragic death of 31-year-old NHL player Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who also died in a car accident involving a drunk driver. Gaudreau's funeral is scheduled for September 9.
