Who is basketball rising star Jaylen Martinez? Everything you need to know about the 13-year-old prodigy who tragically passed away

Teenage basketball prodigy Jaylen Martinez passed away unexpectedly at the age of 13 on June 23 in Richmond, Va. Former Virginia Commonwealth University 'legend Joey Rodriguez and cheerleader Ciera Anai’s son was about to start his high school at Benedictine in the upcoming fall.

However, not much has been spoken about the reason behind Jaylen Martinez’s unexpected death by his family members officially on any platform.

Everything you need to know about the tragic death of Jaylen Martinez

According to the media outlet Richmond Times-Dispatch, teenage basketball star Jaylen Martinez’s unexpected death has generated waves on the internet. As a teenage basketball prodigy, the former VCU star Joey Rodriguez’s son had a great future. As reported by entertainment media outlet People, no details or the actual reason behind Jaylen Martinez’s unexpected death has been released Both Joey Rodriguez and his wife, Anna Cerai, haven’t given any statement about their 13-year-old son’s death on a public platform or social media, but the couple went on to post throwback pictures with their little boy.

The comment section was flooded with love and support in the wake of their son Jaylen’s unfortunate death.

Joey Rodriguez took to his X handle and shared a slew of pictures reminiscing about his time with his late son, Jaylen, whereas his wife, Anna Cerai, posted about Jaylen Martinez on Instagram with a throwback picture. Cerai penned an emotional message for her beloved son."My purpose in life was to be your mother. Help me get through Jay… Ima see you soon baby boy.

I love you. Jaylen Evan, mama got you baby boy. Your legacy made in 13 years will live on forever and I’m going to make sure of it. Keep a spot for me."

At the young age of 13, Jaylen Martinez had achieved so much with his hard work and dedication towards basketball. According to the local station CBS6, Martinez had even represented his team at Liberty Middle School in Ashland, Va., for a county championship in 2024. He even played for the local RockIt Sports league. The 13-year-old phenomenal basketball star had announced that he was about to join the Benedictine Cadets back in March 2026 and had already started practicing with the respective team.

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