In October of 2018, the Detroit Pistons organization experienced a tragedy when Grand Rapids Drive swingman Zeke Upshaw died suddenly after collapsing on the court during a game.
And now, Upshaw’s family has gotten a bit closer to gaining some closure on this traumatic experience. The Pistons and the NBA have settled a lawsuit with Upshaw’s family that was originally filed Jewel Upshaw, Zeke’s mother.
The suit alleged that medical personnel at the game failed to attempt lifesaving measures in a timely fashion.
“Remarkably, for much longer than four full minutes, no cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated, no chest compressions were started, no oxygen mask was placed on his nose and mouth, no airway was cleared and secured, and no defibrillator sensors and electric delivery patches were attached and secured to Zeke’s chest,” the suit said.
The suit also said that “the resources, policies, and procedures reasonably necessary” to prevent or handle Upshaw’s collapse.
“The NBA family continues to mourn the tragic passing of Zeke Upshaw,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said. “We received a copy of the complaint and are reviewing it.”
Upshot was a Chicago native who played for Illinois State and Hofstra, went undrafted and played overseas in Slovenia and Luxembourg. He spent most of his last two seasons with the Drive, Detroit’s G-League affiliate, averaging 7.6 points per game.
