NBA player #DwightHoward has confirmed the passing of Melissa Rios, the mother of his 6-Year-Old son.
According to ESPN, Rios died on March 27 from an epileptic seizure at the age of 31.
In a video meeting with reporters, Howard revealed how hard the last month has been.
“I’ve had some things happen in my personal life that has been difficult to really handle,” Howard said. “My son’s mom, she had passed away a month and a half ago, and it’s extremely difficult for me to try to understand how to talk to my son, who’s 6-years-old, just about the whole situation.”
At the time Howard found out about the news, he was planning on inviting Rios to Georgia to spend some time with him and their son, David.
Though this has been a very difficult time for Howard, he says being around David and his other four children, has given him comfort.
“Every moment counts,” Howard continued. “Be grateful for every situation that you have, just be grateful for life. I think we also take for granted the little things and just spending time with people and stuff like that. And you know after having all these situations, it’s like, reconfirming to me just stay in the moment. Always be grateful. Always be grateful for everything you have, every little thing that happens.”
Howard revealed that he attended Rios’ funeral with their son in Reno, Nevada.
“There was no way I could not be there for my son, and even for her family,” Howard stated. “I definitely would’ve felt like that would’ve been bad. She deserves, and he would deserve better if I didn’t do that that.”
While Howard was anxious to get back on the court following the shut-down of the NBA early March, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Los Angeles Laker has been spending more time with family.
“It’s bittersweet because I do want to play basketball, but my son right now needs me more than anything,” Howard said.
Rio’s was a real estate agent and an advocate for epilepsy.
We send our condolences to her loved ones.
