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Published Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008 | 1:41 p.m.
Updated Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 | 10:15 a.m.
UNLV forward Chris Richardson swoops in to throw down a breakaway dunk in the second half against DePaul at the Thomas & Mack Center on Feb. 3, 2002. The Rebels defeated the Blue Demons 90-75.
Television station KRIS-Channel 6 in Corpus Christi, Texas, reported today of former UNLV basketball player Chris “Flash” Richardson’s death this morning in Japan.
Richardson was on a tour of American military bases in Asia with the Harlem Globetrotters when he passed away in Sasebo, Japan.
Richardson, a Corpus Christi native who lived in Las Vegas, was 28. The cause of death was not known, but a report out of Phoenix said it was believed to be of natural causes.
Richardson shattered a backboard in Hermosillo, Mexico, in October. In November, he played in UNLV’s annual alumni game.
Unofficially, he scored 18 points, most on layups or dunks. He put a rebound back in to cut the red team’s deficit against the white team to 72-70.
He then converted a dunk on the left side with 45 seconds remaining to tie it. Robert Smith won the game for the red squad with two free throws with 7.3 seconds left.
Richardson started his UNLV career, for then-coach Bill Bayno, as a 6-foot-7, 170-pound forward in 1998.
He was upset with a lack of playing time as a freshman, but he improved as a sophomore to average 4.6 points and 3 rebounds, shooting 59.5 percent from the field.
He played 27 games as a junior, then Charlie Spoonhour took over the program. As a senior, Richardson averaged 9.1 points, 5.3 rebound and almost 30 minutes.
"Chris was a wonderful young man who loved life and loved being a Globetrotter," said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. "The entire Globetrotter family is heartbroken by his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his mother, Brenda, and his children."
Richardson relished his role with the Globetrotters.
“Being a Globetrotter means everything to me,” he said. “I get to do what I love for a living and entertain families.”
Unfortunate story.....kid could sky. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
How does one die of natural causes at age 28?
I saw the Globetrotters perform on Friday 5 December 08 at Yokota AB Japan. I even helped carry and unload their bags at my base. I am truly sad for the loss of a good human being performing for those in uniform. The world is a lesser place without him.
I was fortunate to briefly know C-Rich before he passed. He was a CLASS ACT -- humble, down-to-earth, and an upright guy. Chris the Runnin' Rebel was great, but Chris the person was even greater. Still shocked at his passing.
To address the cause -- it WAS natural; had to do with his heart.
Chris was a amazing well rounded friend and father to his children. He was such a team player while playing in Japan he had a awful flu which in fact was pnuemia. He was planning on going to the base to see the doctor the next day. Unfortunately he passed away in his sleep. Chris will be terribly missed by his friends, family, and associates. I am personally thankful that I knew Chris. He has touched so many people with his presence and kind spirit.
I am shocked and saddened by the loss of Chris Richardson. We had the pleasure of watching him play at the Thomas and Mack during his time here. A great loss. He left us much too soon.
Seems like for all of his hoops prowess, stories abound about how nice and warm he was off the court. Am sure his family appreciates all of the comments. A shocking loss. Appreciate every day, for sure.
Chris Richardson was an awesome uncle... unfortunately I have'nt seen him in a couple years. And i'm very sorry for for all of his family. i just wish we could've spent more time together.
-Rory
As a friend I am greatly saddened for Chris's family and friends.He spoke of his wife and children often and I will miss our conversations and his sense of humor.Chris was a true baller and next to his family he was in love with the game of basketball.He touched many kids and adult lives in a positive way including my own family.
We love you Chris,Coach Ric Mercer
Chris Richardson was like a son to me. I'm at a loss for words, and am overshadowed by sadness. Chris was more than a ball player, in the past decade I watched him grow into a wonderful young man, husband, father, brother and son to his family. He was a true man of God and it showed in the way he conducted himself. Only God knows why his young life ended so abruptly, but he will forever live in my heart & in my thoughts!
Elaine Jones
Former CEO of Houston Jaguars
Chris Richardson was a good friend and high school teammate to me, even though I was two years younger than him. My prayers go to his wife and children. Your husband and father was a good basketball player but an even better person.
Joshua Parrott
Carroll High School, Class of 2000
I was fortunate to meet Chris while in high school. I played against him in 1997 and 1998. Our senior year in high school we met in the regional quarterfinals game in Corpus Christi, and his team eliminated us from the playoffs. The last thing I remember about Chris is that he actually dunked it over me and ended up fouling out in that game because the ref called an "over the back" foul on him. He was a humble guy and it's sad to hear he is now gone. My prayers go out to him and his family. RIP Chris...you are now in a much better place.
28? That is way too young. This is one of those stories that just makes you sad all day. My heart goes out to Chris's family and friends. RIP Chris from all of the Rebel fans.
Chris my friend. I will miss you. We had good times back at UNLV winning on the basketball team together and on campus.
I will never forget your great personality and spirit. You will always be in my heart. My prayers go out to you and your family.
You had some sick dunks. Rim Breakers" . But thats how in 2000 we won the MWC and beat out of BYU in the last game to win the championship. I still wear the ring sometimes to this day, as we won the first MWC Title!
All the rebels that played basketball with you and knew you since 1999-2008 always enjoyed being around you Chris, Rip.
Michael Rotkin
CEO
Seochampion.com
Former UNLV Mens Basketball Team Manager 1999-2002
UNLV Hotel Class 2002