Canadian basketball player dies in Bahrain at age 27

A Canadian basketball player from Brampton, Ont., has died in Bahrain at the age of 27.

Kenny Ejim was playing with Al-Najma in the Bahraini Premier League, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) said Tuesday in a statement confirming his death. There's no word yet on how he died.

Ejim played for the CEBL's Hamilton Honey Badgers this past season and with the Saskatchewan Rattlers in 2020. The league expressed its condolences to his family. 

"As a young player from Brampton, Ontario who consistently elevated his career to the next level, Kenny exemplified what our league is about," the CEBL said in the statement.

"His hard work and infectious personality motivated his teammates and inspired younger players to pursue their dreams. As much as Kenny derived from the game, he gave back far more," it continued.

"Our sympathy and prayers are with all who knew Kenny as a family member, friend and teammate. He will be greatly missed."

CBC News spoke with a member of Ejim's family who said they are asking for privacy at this time.

The Hamilton Honey Badgers organization said in a statement on Tuesday that it is "deeply saddened" to learn of his death. It described Ejim as a "valuable" member of its team during the 2021 season and a friend to many people in the Canadian basketball community.

"Kenny brought a high level of energy to our organization on and off the court, and he was an exceptional teammate,' the organization said.

"Kenny had a smile that could light up an arena. He invested in himself as a player and as a person, while always making time to lift up those around him. It is incomprehensible that such a bright, strong and driven young man would have his life end."

The organization extended its condolences to family and friends. "He will be greatly missed and remembered with much love and respect," it said.

According to a biography by the Honey Badgers, Ejim was born in Brampton on Dec. 3, 1994. He attended Humber College and played with the Humber Hawks.

He was six foot six. 

As a professional basketball player, he played with Zornotza Saskibaloi Taldea, Aquimisa Zamorano Innova Chef and Ciudad Autónoma De Melilla Enrique Soler in Spain. He signed as a free agent on June 9, 2021.