Sad day in Atlanta

[PAmedic]

Saw this the other day and wanted to ask you professonals out there if you knew what the heck happened. This is becoming a recurrent problem particularly w/ BBall players, if not athletes in all sports.

Hawks center Collier has breathing difficulty, dies at 28

ATLANTA -- Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collier died early Saturday after he had trouble breathing and was stricken in his home, his father said. He was 28.
Jeff Collier told the Associated Press his son died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital and did not have any diagnosed health problems apart from his knees.

Team spokesman Arthur Triche initially said Collier possibly died of cardiac arrest, but would not provide details. He later said the team was not sure how Collier died. Collier's agent, Richard Howell, said an autopsy was being performed.

[Sly Fox]

Yeah, I covered him briefly while he was a Rocket. Seemed like a decent guy.

[PAmedic]

the knee surgery could be key. Shortness of breath, chest pains and cardiac issues post-surgery are commonly thought of as POTENTIAL indicators of PE (pulminary embolyst) which can be lethal. NOT making any assertions here, just that its possible- though its usually a narrow timeframe/window after a procedure and dependant on many other factors (being sedintary/bed condined, etc.)
Doesn't change the fact that this was quite a tragedy for all involved.