NBA star RJ Barrett’s younger brother Nathan ‘had been taken ill weeks before his tragic death at 19’… as Toronto Raptors guard remains away from the court to be with his family

RJ Barrett’s younger brother Nathan ‘fell ill and had been at home for several weeks’ before his shock death at the age of 19, according to a new report.

No cause of death has yet been revealed for the teenager, who was training to be a pilot alongside his amateur basketball career.

RJ – four years his senior – has been away from the Toronto Raptors for ‘personal reasons’ since Wednesday as he and his family continue to grieve.

According to Sportsnet’s Michael GrangeNathan ‘became ill’ weeks before his death and had been at home with his family before his death on Tuesday.

In a statement shared by the Toronto Raptors and Canada Basketball on behalf of the Barrett family, it was revealed that Nathan died ‘surrounded by his family, church and friends.’

NBA star RJ played in the Raptors’ loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday, but has since missed games against the Pistons and Magic, and is also expected to be out for another game against Orlando on Sunday.

There is no timeline for his return as his family continues to mourn their tragic loss.

News of Nathan’s death first broke online on Thursday when his former youth coach Chris Stewart paid an emotional tribute.

Stewart coached both RJ and Nathan Barrett with the Mississauga Monarchs in their native Canada.

‘On March 12th my extended Monarchs family lost another member, Nathan Barrett,’ Stewart wrote on Instagram. ‘It’s hard to believe that this is the second time this has happened to my family and my basketball.

‘Nathan was only with us for a short time in 7th grade before moving to Florida, but every time he was back in Mississauga the boys connected.

‘I saw Nathan last summer, all grown up, big smile and he was excited to tell me how he started school to become a pilot. I always say to my former players that if you were on my team even for one season you will always be my family and don’t forget that.

‘If you have had the pleasure of knowing this family, you know how much they do for the basketball community, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. No parent should ever have to bury a child, hug your children today a little longer. You will be missed Nathan, RIP.’