Pelicans’ Bryce Dejean-Jones dies after gunshot wound

Dejean-Jones was reportedly killed by a gunshot to the abdomen.

New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard Bryce Dejean-Jones has died at age 23, the Dallas (Texas) County Medical Examiner confirmed to SI.com. 

His agent told ESPN that he had died of a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Dallas police told the Dallas Morning News that Dejean-Jones suffered the injury early Saturday morning while breaking into a Dallas apartment. 

He reportedly bled to death. 

A Dallas County Medical Examiner spokesperson declined to provide details on the cause of death. 

Police told the Dallas Morning Newsthat Dejean-Jones broke into an apartment around 3:20 a.m. on Saturday morning, waking a man inside the apartment. Police say the man called out but did not receive a response, spurring him to grab his handgun. Dejean-Jones then began kicking the man’s bedroom door, according to police, and the man fired his weapon. 

According to the Associated Press, Dejean-Jones was visiting his girlfriend for his daughter’s first birthday and mistakenly entered the wrong apartment. His girlfriend lives on the fourth floor of the apartment complex, and Dejean-Jones entered a residence on the third floor. 

The Pelicans released a statement on Saturday following news of Dejean-Jones’s death. 

“It is with deep sadness that the Pelicans organization acknowledges the sudden passing of Bryce Dejean-Jones. We are devastated at the loss of this young man’s life who had such a promising future ahead of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryce’s family during this difficult time.”

NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement as well.

“The NBA family mourns the tragic loss of New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce Dejean-Jones. Bryce inspired countless people with his hard work and perseverance on his journey to the NBA, and he had a bright future in our leage. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Bryce’s family and the entire Pelicans organization during this difficult time.”

Dejean-Jones, who was a rookie last season, played college basketball at Iowa State. He went undrafted and played in the D–League before debuting with the Pelicans in January. 

He played 14 games in the NBA, averaging 5.6 points. 

Dejean-Jones signed a three–year contract earlier this year with New Orleans.