Billy Knight, a former UCLA basketball player, was found dead earlier this week and pronounced dead, according to reports. The former Bruin was just 39 years old at the time of his passing. According to reports, Knight, who played for the Bruins from 1997-2002, was found dead after a disturbing video surfaced on social media. In the video — which was posted on Knight’s YouTube channel — he apologized for a “life of sin” and said he believed it would be his “last message on earth.” The video was titled “I am Sorry Lord.”
The disturbing news comes just days after another former UCLA player, Tyler Honeycutt, was found dead after shooting himself following a stand-off with police officers.
“Our hearts are heavy after learning Billy Knight has passed away,” the UCLA basketball program said in a statement released on social media. “We ask that the Bruin family keep Billy’s loved ones in their thoughts during this difficult time.“
Knight was reportedly facing serious legal issues at the time of his death, with TMZ reporting he had been arrested and charged with six felonies due to having sex with a 9-year-old.
TMZ Sports has learned … in the weeks before Knight apparently killed himself, the 39-year-old was arrested and charged with 6 felonies for sexual encounters involving a girl under the age of 15.
Officials tell us … Knight was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona on June 14.
Prosecutors in Maricopa County charged Knight with multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor, sexual abuse and molestation of a child.
All of the information we know about Knight’s passing can be seen below.
Billy Knight Cause of Death: N/A
No official cause of death has been reported for Knight’s passing, but it is believed that he committed suicide. Prior to his death, the former UCLA Bruins standout released a lengthy video on YouTube where he apologized for his past actions and made it clear that he believed he was in the final moments of his life. “This is probably my last message on Earth,” Knight said as tears streamed from his face.
“If you are feeling like this, please get help. I’m sorry Lord.”
Knight’s body was discovered at 2:45 a.m. on a local roadway where he was pronounced dead by the Phoenix Fire Department.
This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available.
