A star player in Canada's professional basketball league who represented his hometown and was beloved by the fans suddenly passed away at a young age, and now his family and friends and others who followed his career are mourning the tragic and unexpected loss.

Chad Posthumus, the star center for the Winnipeg Sea Bears, died on Wednesday at the age of 33 after suffering complications from emergency surgery to repair a brain aneurysm, Canada's CTV reported.

His team, the league, and even local politicians all offered up tributes to his memory and condolences for his death upon learning the grim news.

Team stricken with grief over loss of beloved star

On Nov. 10, the Winnipeg Sea Bears notified their fans in an X post that Posthumus had suffered a brain aneurysm during a training session the previous day and had been hospitalized in stable condition but would require additional medical attention to address the issue.

Just a few days later, on Nov. 14, the team took to social media again to provide an update on how the star player "underwent a long and complex surgery that successfully repaired a large brain aneurysm. Unfortunately, there were complications, and he is now in critical condition in the intensive care unit."

Sadly, according to CTV, the Posthumus family said in a statement on Nov. 20, "We are saddened to announce that Chad has passed away following a catastrophic stroke as the result of surgical complications," and added, "We thank you for all of the support and prayers we received through this difficult time. We love you, Chad."

On the Sea Bears' website, the team said, "The Winnipeg Sea Bears are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our team captain and leader, Chad Posthumus on November 20, 2024. Stricken by a brain aneurysm on November 9th and then by complications arising from corrective surgery, Chad fought hard but was unable to recover. Chad was and will always remain the face of our team."

"After a long, successful career playing abroad and for Team Canada, Chad was so excited to finally play professional basketball in his hometown, and he gave so much of his time and energy to both the team and our community. For that, we are eternally grateful," the team continued, and added, "With Chad, we’ve won, lost and experienced joy TOGETHER, and now we must come TOGETHER again in grief, and mourn his loss."

Mourned by the league

According to CTV, Posthumus was a Winnipeg native who was a veteran of the Canadian Elite Basketball League who'd previously played for the Saskatchewan Rattlers, Ottawa BlackJacks, Edmonton Stingers, and Brampton Honey Badgers, before he was a top draft pick for the expansion Sea Bears in his hometown.

"Chad had a love for people and for the game of basketball that lit up even the largest arenas," the CEBL said in a statement. "His spirit and passion touched the hearts of fans and inspired teammates and all of us blessed to have shared Chad’s all-too-brief life with him."

Also paying tribute to Posthumus was Basketball Manitoba's Executive Director Adam Wedlake, who said of the star player, "We've seen a huge jump in our sport; the interest, the people who want to get involved, the Sea Bears have been a massive part of that. And he was the face of that. He was the heart and soul of that team. It’s a tough one today."

Wedlake further noted that while Posthumus was a fierce competitor on the court, he was a different man off the court, and described him as "The biggest, softest guy you could imagine, always there with a smile, a high-five, especially to the young kids who looked up to him, literally and figuratively. That’s the real part that we really miss with the news of today."

Remembered by the mayor and premier

CTV reported that condolences for Posthumus were offered up by Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, who shared photos of himself with the basketball star and wrote, "Devastated to learn Chad Postumus has died. He had a huge heart & magnetic personality that matched his physical size. As a local boy, he was a favourite for @wpgseabears fans & was dedicated to our community. My deepest condolences to Chad’s family & the Sea Bears organization."

Likewise, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew posted a photo of himself meeting Posthumus while playing ball on an outdoor court with young kids, and wrote, "Manitoba lost a real one with the passing of Chad Posthumus. Homegrown talent, leader, and inspiration, Chad was not only the captain of the @wpgseabears but also their first-ever draft pick—a legacy that will forever be part of Manitoba basketball history. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the basketball community mourning this incredible loss. Rest in power, Chad.