VCU Basketball Legend’s 13-Year-Old Rising Star Son Dies Unexpectedly ArticlePure

A teenage rising basketball star has unexpectedly died in Richmond, Va. Jaylen Martinez, a 13-year-old athlete who was starting high school at Benedictine College Prep in the fall, died on Monday, June 23, according to multiple local outlets. 

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that Martinez, the son of former Virginia Commonwealth University basketball star Joey Rodriguez and former VCU cheerleader Ciera Anaí, died on Monday. 

Rodriguez has not confirmed his son’s death, but posted a series of childhood photos of Martinez on his X account on Monday. In the comments, he received lots of love and support in the wake of his son’s death. 

Local station CBS6 reported that the teen led his team at Liberty Middle School in Ashland, Va. to a county championship last year. Martinez also played for the local RockIt Sports league. On Monday, the league posted a photo of the young athlete playing for the team on Instagram Stories, writing, “We love you #5. Our hearts go out to Ciera and family. We are always here for you.” 

Martinez announced he was joining the Benedictine Cadets back in March. According to his mom’s Instagram page, he had already started practicing with the team. 

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Martinez’s father was a star point guard for VCU from 2007 to 2011 and was a member of the historic Final Four squad. He went on to become an assistant head coach at Florida International University in Miami. 

No details or a cause of Martinez’s death have been released. However, Henrico County Police confirmed to PEOPLE that an unnamed juvenile died on June 23 and urged anyone with additional information to contact Detective J. Seay at 804-501-5000. Those with information can also submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or by P3tips.com. 

In September 2024, Anaí shared a birthday tribute to her son on Instagram, writing, “Happpppy 13th Birthday to my big babbbyy !!! I can NOT believe you are a teenager. Most of my days are filled with me taking a minute to sit back and wonder how was I so lucky to be blessed with a son like you.” 

She continued, “I am so proud of you!!! You are an amazing kid & I hope you never change for ANYBODY. Being YOU is why you are SO LOVED!! I’ll continue to cherish all of these moments. I hope your dreams stay big & worries stay small !!!!” 

The Richmond Elite Academy posted a tribute on Instagram with multiple photos of Martinez’s time with their team. They wrote, “Rest In Peace to one of our own. A true competitor, a great teammate, a champion and a beloved soul. Jay [ @jay2eezy ] you will be missed deeply. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and coaches during this time. ???????Rest In Elite???#RichmondEliteFamily #Elite #RIP.”