Chris Richardson (basketball)
Chris LaMark "Flash" Richardson (March 26, 1980 – December 10, 2008) was an American basketball player and a member of the Harlem Globetrotters. He died in Japan during the team's tour. His cause of death was a brain aneurysm. The Harlem Globetrotters were at a U.S. military base in Sasebo, Japan, as part of an annual holiday tour.[1]
Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Richardson made Las Vegas, Nevada his home when he began playing college basketball at UNLV in 1998. Shortly after his college career ended, he joined the Harlem Globetrotters. Richardson was known for his dunking skills and a genial disposition. Sports Illustrated featured Chris in their November 9, 1998 issue after he won the slam dunk competition as a freshman at the UNLV Fan Jam. As a senior in college, Richardson participated in the 14th Annual Slam Dunk and Three-point Championships held in Atlanta, GA on March 28, 2002. While on tour with the Harlem Globetrotters in October 2008, just before "Flash" passed, he shattered a backboard while dunking in Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico.
Richardson was active in charity work and contributed to organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as several adoption agencies.
He had two younger brothers, Christen and Chandler, and a daughter, Jazlyn.
References
- ↑ "ESPN news item "Globetrotters' Richardson Dies in Sleep"". Sports.espn.go.com. 2008-12-11. Retrieved 2011-12-16.
- "Player Bio: Chris Richardson :: Men's Basketball". Unlvrebels.com. Retrieved 2011-12-16.
- "Richardson To Dunk - UNLV Official Athletic Site". Unlvrebels.com. 2002-03-21. Retrieved 2011-12-16.
- Greene, Ryan. "Former Rebel's spirit lives on with Globetrotters - Friday, Feb. 13, 2009 | midnight - Las Vegas Sun". M.lvsun.com. Retrieved 2011-12-16.