Chyna Thomas, sister of Isaiah Thomas, Passes Away in Car Accident

Chyna Thomas, younger sister of Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas, passed away in an early morning car accident Saturday, The News Tribune of Tacoma, Washington reports.

Thomas, 22, died at the scene of the accident on the shoulder of I-5 in Federal Way, Washington after the car suddenly drifted onto the left shoulder and drove into a Jersey barrier, according to Washington State Patrol. Thomas was not wearing a seat belt according to authorities.

Thomas was informed of the passing after practice Saturday and is, “In shock,” according to the Boston Herald’s Mark Murphy. Murphy reports that coach Brad Stevens is with Thomas Saturday evening at his Cambridge home. Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe reports Thomas’ inner circle will fly to Boston to be with him to mourn.

Murphy subsequently tweeted that a team source said the Celtics may not know whether Thomas will play until game-time Sunday.

The Celtics released the following statement Saturday evening:

“We are terribly saddened by the tragic loss of Chyna Thomas. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Celtics organization are with Isaiah and his family.​”

The NBA released a statement an hour later: