When it was learned that Northwestern Wildcats basketball player Jordan Hankins was found dead in her college dorm room, the women’s basketball community shed tears.
Hankins was found to have committed suicide according to an autopsy conducted by the Cook County medical examiner.
When the news became known, the Wildcats were scheduled to play a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Jan. 11. The game was postponed.
The Wildcats a few days later, returned to action to face the Rutgers Golden Knights in what turned out to be an emotional win for Northwestern given the unforeseen circumstances.
Northwestern has since announced that the team will wear a special patch on their jerseys. The patch is a black circle with Hankins’ initials and her uniform number.
We are heartbroken and saddened to learn of the passing of Jordan Hankins. Our love and thoughts are with her family, teammates, and friends.
–Jim Phillips, Vice President for Athletics and Recreation—Northwestern University per statement
She had a great passion for basketball. But the thing I remember the most is her smile and the way she approached people with disabilities and people that weren’t able to give her anything back.
—Chris Giffin, basketball coach at Lawrence North High School (in Indianapolis, IN) where Hankins played high school basketball
As a Dad it breaks my heart reading the story about 19 yr old Jordan Hankins / May she RIP @cbrennansports https://t.co/Ob2tcT4e73
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 11, 2017
We remember a friend tonight #JordanHankins #BoilerUp #B1GCats pic.twitter.com/mKLgDc9OiA
— Purdue Women's Bball (@PurdueWBB) January 11, 2017
No Words. The Family has lost a great one. ? pic.twitter.com/L1Imfqg5kS
— TheFamilyAAU (@FamilyAAU) January 10, 2017
This just breaks my heart???? Please, please, please if you are in emotional distress please tell someone or call 1-800-273-8255? https://t.co/mClRHkJZDv
— LaChina Robinson (@LaChinaRobinson) January 10, 2017
We lost a member of our family today. We love and miss you, Jordan.https://t.co/hvobgh62al pic.twitter.com/nP02nXMDeH
— NU Women's Hoops (@nuwbball) January 10, 2017
