Former Michigan State Forward Adreian Payne Dies at 31

Payne was a three-year starter for the Spartans, earning All–Big Ten honors in 2013–14.

Former Michigan State forward Adreian Payne has died at the age of 31.

The news of Payne’s death was first reported by former Ohio State star Jared Sullinger. Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press later confirmed the news. 

Hate the news i received this morning…. Rest Easy to my brother/Teammate @Adreian_Payne

— Jared Sullinger Sr. (@Jared_Sully0) May 9, 2022

Confirmed the former MSU star big man has died. He was 31. https://t.co/a9SkZvicHH

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) May 9, 2022

The Orange County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office released a statement noting it responded to the 2500 block of Egret Shores Drive early Monday morning regarding a shooting. A male in his 30s, later identified as Adreian Payne, was taken to a local hospital where he died of his injuries.

The shooter, identified by police as Lawrence Dority, stayed at the scene and was transported to Orange County Sheriff’s Office headquarters where he was interviewed by homicide detectives and booked for first-degree murder. He was transported to Orange County Jail.

Payne was a three-year starter at Michigan State, where he emerged as one of the premier post players in the Big Ten. His best season came as a senior in 2013–14, averaging 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 50.3% from the field. He was named to the All–Big Ten team as a senior.

After being selected with the No. 15 pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the Hawks, Payne spent four seasons in the league with Atlanta, Minnesota and Orlando. 

Payne was released by the Magic in January 2018 after being accused of sexual assault during his freshman year at Michigan State, in ’10. Ingham County, Mich., prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III declined to press charges on the matter, saying that no crime was committed while citing insufficient evidence.

Payne continued his career overseas. He last played for Juventus Utena of the Lithuanian Basketball League last season, averaging 8.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.