Jalen Hill, Class of '22

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Former UCLA Men's Basketball player Jalen Hill, 22, described as an indispensable part of Coach Mick Cronin's team, died recently after going missing in Costa Rica, his family wrote in an Instagram post this week.

Hill played his last game in January of 2021 and announced he was retiring from game in April of that year, citing depression and anxiety that began, he said, with his arrest at age 17, along with two teammates, for shoplifting in China before he had played a game for the Bruins.

For his part, the L.A. Times said, "He made no excuses, accepting blame and becoming a valued member of the team for nearly four seasons."

UCLA Men's Basketball tweeted, "Our program is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Jalen Hill. We offer our most sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."

Cronin tweeted, "The news of Jalen Hill's passing is heartbreaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Jalen was a warm-hearted young man with a great smile who has left us far too soon."