Adreian Payne has died aged 31. The American basketball player, who went through Asvel, was shot and killed earlier this week in Orlando (Florida), while trying to intervene in a marital dispute, according to the American press.
After a stint in Lithuania (Utenos Juventus), Adreain Payne returned to the United States several weeks ago. On the night of Sunday to Monday, he was called by the alleged killer’s companion to try to settle a marital dispute.
But his arrival on the scene only increased tensions. The American player, who achieved the double championship-Coupe de France with Asvel in 2019, was perceived “as a threat” by the author of the shots. According to witnesses at the scene, an argument broke out outside the couple’s home between the two men before Payne was shot dead.
Rushed to hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. Immediately arrested on the spot to be heard, the alleged killer explained to the police that he wanted to “protect his family and his home”, according to information published by TMZ. Placed in detention for first degree murder, the 29-year-old man would have pleaded not guilty during a first hearing.
Selected in 15th position in the 2014 Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Adreian Payne also went through the Wolves then the Magic between 2015 and 2018. In total, he played just over a hundred games in the NBA. He then took the direction of Greece, China, France, Turkey and Lithuania.