Name Chris Richardson | Role Basketball Player | |
Died December 10, 2008, Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan | ||
Chris LaMark "Flash" Richardson (March 26, 1980 – December 10, 2008) was an American basketball player and a member of the Harlem Globetrotters. He died in Japan during the team's tour. His cause of death was a brain aneurysm. The Harlem Globetrotters were at a U.S. military base in Sasebo, Japan, as part of an annual holiday tour when he fell asleep and never woke up.
Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Richardson made Las Vegas, Nevada his home when he began playing college basketball at UNLV 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 Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico.
Besides basketball, Chris was active in several charities, he was an exceptional and positive black male role model who mentored many. He loved his family, friends, teammates, coaches, community and always put them before himself. Though often on the road, he was a still "father figure and positive role model" to his two younger brothers, Christen and Chandler. He was a great man aka "daddy" who adored his daughter, Jazlyn and always kept her close to his heart.
On that note, his mother should be proud. He was always a gentleman, always responsible, always caring, always positive, always loving and left this world leaving a long lasting positive impression. He will be missed but, not forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.