New Orleans Pelican player Bryce Dejean-Jones died Saturday after reportedly entering the wrong home in a Dallas apartment complex, according to ESPN.
According to police, Dejean-Jones, 23, was shot after the resident of the apartment he entered heard someone kick open his front door. The occupant “called out to the individual, but was not answered.” The person then fired after Dejean-Jones reportedly kicked open the resident’s bedroom door.
Dejean-Jones collapsed and was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. Police say that he and the unnamed apartment resident did not know each other.
Dejean-Jones’ agent, Scott Nichols, told ESPN that his client died from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
The same agent confirmed to the news site that Dejean-Jones was in Dallas to celebrate his daughter’s first birthday. According to the agent, the NBA baller believed that the apartment he was entering belonged to his girlfriend.
The agent said that the girlfriend returned to the apartment first while Dejean-Jones went for a walk after they had gone out.
“He went to the wrong apartment, unfortunately, and I think he thought his girlfriend locked him out, so he was knocking on the door, banging on the door, it’s locked,” said Nichols. “So one thing led to another.”
Sources told ESPN that Dejean-Jones was involved in an argument with the child’s mother before the shooting.
Dejean-Jones, who went undrafted but signed a three-year deal with the Pelicans in February, averaged 5.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 14 appearances this season.
The Pelicans released a statement Saturday afternoon:
It is with deep sadness that the Pelicans organization acknowledges the sudden passing of Bryce Dejean-Jones. We are devastated at the loss of this young man’s life who had such a promising future ahead of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryce’s family during this difficult time.
Read more at ESPN.