Chris Richardson (basketball)

Chris "Flash" Richardson (b. Corpus Christi, Texas in 1980, died December 10, 2008) was an American basketball player and a member of the Harlem Globetrotters. He died in Japan during the team's tour, reportedly of natural causes. The Harlem Globetrotters were at a U.S. military base in Sasebo, Japan, as part of an annual holiday tour.[1]

Chris Richardson, 6-foot-7-inch, made Las Vegas, NV his home when he began playing college basketball at UNLV with the UNLV Rebels in 1998. Shortly after his college career ended, he joined the Harlem Globetrotters. Richardson was known for his dunking skills and a genial disposition. Sports Illustrated featured Chris in their November 9, 1998 issue after he won the slam dunk competition as a freshman at the UNLV Fan Jam. As a senior in college, Richardson participated in the 14th Annual Slam Dunk and Three-point Championships held in Atlanta, GA on March 28, 2002. While on tour with the Harlem Globetrotters in October 2008, just before "Flash" passed, he shattered a backboard while dunking in Hermosilla, Mexico. Christopher LaMark Richardson was active in charity work and contributed to organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as adoption agencies. Besides being active in charity, he was a "father figure" to his two younger brothers, Christen and Chandler, a "daddy" to his daughter, Jazlyn, and a mentor to many.

References

  1. ↑ "ESPN news item "Globetrotters' Richardson Dies in Sleep"". Sports.espn.go.com. 2008-12-11. Retrieved 2011-12-16.