MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Former NBA player Lorenzen Wright was found dead Wednesday in a wooded area in southeast Memphis, law enforcement sources confirmed to The Commercial Appeal.
The former University of Memphis star went missing on July 19, just hours before he was reportedly going to make his way back to his Atlanta-area home with a friend and his six children.
According to the Memphis paper, a dispatcher received a 911 call from Wright's cell phone in the early hours of July 19. The man dialing for help could be heard uttering an expletive before at least 10 gunshots followed. The call then abruptly ended.
There is speculation Wright may have been the victim of a robbery because he was carrying upwards of $3,000 with him when he went missing. Friends tell The Commercial Appeal the 6-foot-11 Wright was well liked by everyone.
"He's a relaxed person. I've never seen him mad or upset," said family friend Jeremy Orange, who was planning to drive Wright back home with the children. "I've known people from the NBA who are real stuck-up and cocky. That man is not like that."
"I don't think he had any enemies," added Wright's roommate, Michael Gipson.
Wright's family released a statement late Wednesday after the forward's body was found.
"Lorenzen's family has come together to mourn his loss and honor his legacy," the statement said. "We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and condolences as they are comforting at this very difficult time. Additionally, we ask that you please respect our privacy as we try to cope with his sudden loss."
Wright played 13 years in the NBA for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and most recently the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2008-09 season.
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