A cousin of Australian basketball star Ben Simmons has been killed in an alleged hit-and-run in New Jersey just two days after attending the NBA draft with him.
Hoboken police said Zachary Simmons, 21, was hit by a black SUV at around 3.30am on Saturday local time, CBS New York reported.
His mother, Monique Steele, identified him as the cousin of Ben, who became NBA No.1 draft pick when selected by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Ben Simmons acknowledged his cousin's death on Twitter.
"Hearing the news this morning is a reminder to never forget the important things in life," he tweeted.
"I'm glad I could share this moment in my life with you. Rest in peace Cuzzo. Much love Zachary Simmons #rip??"," he added with a photo of the pair at the draft ceremony.
Steele, told CBS2 that her son had gone out for a friend's birthday celebration on Friday evening and police told her the car that hit him was going at least 70 miles an hour.
"To be speeding enough to kill my child is beyond me," Steele said.
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