Lance Blanks' daughter Riley opens up on former Suns GM's cause of death

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1970-01-01 08:00

Former Phoenix Suns general manager Lance Blanks has died at the age of 56

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

DALLAS, TEXAS: Former Suns GM and NBA scout Lance Blanks has died by suicide, according to his daughter Riley Blanks Reed. The announcement of Blanks' death was made last week by the NBA, stating that he died on May 3 at the age of 56 in Dallas.

Blanks was a former Texas basketball star and ESPN analyst. His daughter revealed that he took his own life in an emotional piece published on ESPN on Tuesday, May 9. "People will want more information," Reed wrote. "But the fact is we will never truly know why. And we don’t need to. All we need to do is remember him, honor him, celebrate him and pour our love into the family that made him happy. All we need to know is that, oftentimes, the people in the most pain are the giants in our lives," she added.

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Who was Lance Blanks?

Lance Blanks was a basketball star at the University of Texas from 1988-89, leading the Longhorns to an Elite Eight berth in 1990 and earning induction into the school’s Hall of Honor in 2007. He was selected by the Pistons with the No 26-overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft and played three seasons in the NBA with Detroit and later the Timberwolves.

Blanks played in the Continental Basketball Association and spent three seasons in Europe before transitioning to coaching and front-office roles. He was the Suns' GM from 2010-2013 and worked as an analyst for ESPN. At the time of his death, Blanks was serving as a scout for the Clippers. He will be remembered for his contributions to the basketball community and his impact on the game. Blanks left behind his wife Renee and two daughters, including Reed, whom he helped become a four-star tennis recruit at Virginia.

'A void that cannot be filled'

"I could tell you about every accolade, every stat, and every award Daddy received throughout his career," Reed wrote. "But that information is easy to find, and as I listen to his loved ones, fans, and community, I don’t hear about his resume. I hear about his character." "He recently told me that I gave him a front-row seat to my life and that it was his greatest joy," she continued, "What he didn’t understand was that it was mine, too."

"I asked him a couple of months back, 'Daddy, what’s the one thing in life that makes you happiest?' Without hesitation, he said, 'Family, Riles. Just family.'" "Daddy, Lance, LB, my forever hero, has left a void that cannot be filled," she said. "And yet, I find solace in the promise to honor him with everything he left us. In the loving embrace of my sister, Bryn, I will remember that we are both forever connected to the remarkable man who was our world."

'The grief I'm experiencing is both jarring and intangible'

Reed also wrote a heartfelt piece on Instagram in honor of her father. "Lance Blanks–a humble, legendary man with kind eyes and the strength of a bull. On May 3, he unfathomably took his own life. Writing this piece through tears, I grappled with the harsh reality and the vivid memories of Daddy's vibrant life. The process took me out of the present moment and put me right alongside Daddy as he blazed through his life."

She continued, "The grief I'm experiencing is both jarring and intangible. Daddy embodied conflicting thoughts and emotions, unafraid to walk the tightrope of life's complexities. I feel that ideology coursing through me. Daddy always said, 'Keep it real. Keep it simple.' With that spirit, I aim to honor him and share his story boldly; to help him blaze through our environments despite his spirit taking another form. May his journey support other rare giants." She concluded, saying, "I found the words, and I’ll continue to write for you, Daddy. I love you."

Friends, family, and fans rushed to the comments to offer support to the grieving daughter. One said, "I’m holding you and your family in my heart and prayers. Your dad was a wonderful light being. And you already carry his beautiful legacy of heart and strength!!! Love you Riley!!!" while another added, "I am so sorry, Riley. My condolences to you and your family. Please keep writing. We will continue to keep reading." A third shared, "I, unfortunately, lost my father the same way and asked myself the same question. I lost my father at age 13 and I will say my grandma gave the same advice when I lost him. I would even call his cell phone to leave voicemails. If you need any support in conversation or to chat when you’re ready. I am happy to lend an ear!" Another wrote, "You clearly have his strength, Riley, the piece you shared is beyond beautiful, intimate and illuminating — and the inner fortitude you found to write through the tears during this most surreal time is proof of his enduring resolve coursing through you, you truly amaze me and are so deeply in my thoughts."

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