Former NBA star Isaiah Thomas shared heartbreaking news on Wednesday, as he revealed that his “big sis,” LaQuisha Baldtrip, passed away. Thomas, 35, revealed the tragedy on Instagram.
Two-time NBA All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas has lost two sisters: Chyna J. Thomas and LaQuisha Baldtrip
This is the second time Thomas has lost a sibling. His other sister, Chyna, was killed in a one-car accident on an interstate in Federal Way, Washington, on April 15, 2017.
“Ima miss you big sis!!!!!” Thomas wrote. “Damn how you leave me too??? 2 sisters gone!!! This can’t be real. I love and miss you Queen.” The cause of LaQuisha’s death is unknown.
Isaiah Thomas’ big sis has passed away. Prayers up for IT and his family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/PS2Cw6C3VD
— Kit Espina (@KeithEspino22) November 21, 2024
Thomas, who played 12 years in the NBA, also shared several tributes and messages from people who are close to his sister and mourning her death.
“Hope you’re alright IT,” a fan posted on X. Another supporter shared, “Hope you’re good bro.” A third follower added, “Just seeing what this post was about today. Sending all support and love your way man. Take care.”
Thomas wore special sneakers with the Boston Celtics in April 2017 to honor the life of Chyna
Following Chyna’s death in 2017, Thomas wore customized sneakers with the Boston Celtics that read “Chyna, RIP Lil Sis” and “I love you.” In Game 1 of the Celtics’ first-round playoff series against the Chicago Bulls, he led the game with 33 points.
His teammates praised Thomas for playing through his grief. Avery Bradley said then, “He’s a true competitor, and tonight he was playing for his sister, and he was playing for his family.”
Thomas had revealed in a late January appearance on the “View From The Rafters” podcast this year that his teammates weren’t sure how to act around him after Chyna’s death.
“My teammates didn’t know how to interact or act around me,” he said. “The energy of what we built the last two years kind of got thrown out the window just because I was going through a real-life situation. Physically, I was there. Mentally, I was back at home.”
According to social media posts, his family members are also keeping LaQuisha and Chyna in their prayers. Thomas and his wife, Kayla, have three children together.
