Keith Reed
A nephew of tennis stars Venus and #SerenaWilliams has reportedly died by #suicide. Alphonse Williams died February 3 after having suffered a multitude of mental and physical health issues include #bipolardisorder and a rare condition known as #Peyronie’sDisease. He was 21.
Williams lived in Las Vegas and was the grandson of the tennis icon’s father #RichardWilliams. Sabrina Williams, #RichardWilliams’ eldest daughter from his first marriage, was Alphonse’s mother. She told the British tabloid the Sun in an interview that they had no relationship to their famous relatives and that she knew her son had long struggled with his #mentalhealth, including a previous attempt to end his life.
From the Sun
“I knew he was on loan and God called in that loan.”
Sabrina, who lives in Las Vegas and shared a home with Alphonse and his elder brother Elijah, 23, only knew the devastating impact #Peyronie’sdisease can have on #mentalhealth after her son’s passing when she read about the condition online.
Alphonse, who also had #bipolardisorder, felt like his life was over and is believed to have taken an overdose of unknown medication. His autopsy results are yet to be released.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
#RichardWilliams, who turned 80 on Feb. 14, is best known for coaching #Venus and #SerenaWilliams from tennis prodigies in Los Angeles to becoming decorated champions in the sport and global superstars off the court. He had been nearly omnipresent in the early stages of his daughters’ tennis careers but stepped back from his public presence in recent years.
His story was chronicled in the 2021 movie ‘King Richard’, which starred #WillSmith, who received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Williams, and was executive produced by #SerenaWilliams.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
