Jimly Lantaya, 24, dies from thoracic aortic aneurysm complications

Former Colegio de San Juan de Letran basketball player Jimly Lantaya passed away on Saturday at the age of 24 due to complications from a thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection.

Lantaya was a two-time NCAA Champion in 2022 and 2023, won a UAAP Juniors title with National University-Nazareth School, and played for GenSan Warriors in the MPBL and South Cotabato Warriors in the PSL.

His former teammates expressed their grief through emotional social media posts, remembering Lantaya's contributions to their teams.

Following an operation last March 25, Lantaya publicly sought help on April 12 as his hospital bills and doctors' fees hit P2 million.

The Colegio de San Juan de Letran issued a statement mourning the passing of Jimly Lantaya, thanking him for bringing honor to the school with his championship teams in Seasons 97 and 98.

Various prominent former collegiate players also expressed their condolences, including Fran Yu and Kevin Quiambao, who played with Lantaya in high school.