URBANA, ILLINOIS: Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin's grandson, age 2, died on Saturday, July 22 after his father discovered him unconscious earlier in the day. According to Champaign County coroner Duane Northrup, Jayce D Griffin of Urbana, Illinois, was declared dead at the Carle Foundation Hospital on Saturday at 10.40 am.
According to preliminary data from an autopsy performed on Monday, July 24, there was no sign of trauma or malicious intent. "At this time, the death of Jayce Griffin appears to be from natural causes pending additional testing and final autopsy results," Northrup revealed in a statement.
Who is Adrian Griffin's son?
Alan Griffin, one of Adrian Griffin's two sons, is the father of Jayce. He most recently played for the Bucks in the Summer League. Before that, he played college ball at Illinois and Syracuse. Jasmine Riggs, Jayce’s mother, stated to CBS 58 that Alan was watching Jayce on Friday night and Saturday. His younger brother, AJ Griffin, currently plays for the Atlanta Hawks.
'My grandson Jayce was very special to me'
Right after Mike Budenholzer was fired from the coach position after the Bucks were eliminated from the playoffs last season, Adrian Griffin was hired in May. Just before that, he had served as the assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors. It will be his first job as a head coach in the league. The Champaign police department and the Champaign County coroner's office are investigating the death, according to Northrup. Additional information will not be shared until the inquiry is completed.
"My grandson Jayce was very special to me and my family and his passing is an agonizing tragedy that will be felt forever. I appreciate your respecting our family’s grief and privacy at this time," Adrian said in a statement released by the Bucks.
