On Sunday, Wheelchair Basketball Canada sadly announced the unexpected death of Maude Jacques, a former player of the national team, at the age of 31.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee issued a statement expressing their condolences upon hearing the news, mentioning that her absence will be deeply felt by everyone involved in Canadian Paralympic sport. No specific reason was provided for her departure.
The announcement was made by the national organization of the sport on Instagram and X, which was previously referred to as Twitter.
“Wheelchair Basketball Canada is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Senior Women’s National Team member Maude Jacques. Maude was a beloved member of the wheelchair basketball community. Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this time.”
CPC is mourning the loss of Paralympian Maude Jacques <a href=”https://t.co/aSyjNhSRPN”>https://t.co/aSyjNhSRPN</a> <a href=”https://t.co/BsdR4mFMDs”>pic.twitter.com/BsdR4mFMDs</a>
—@CDNParalympics
The Sherbooke, Que., native represented Canada at the 2012 Paralympics in London. She helped the Canadian women win a world title in 2014 and was a three-time Parapan Am Games medallist, capturing gold in 2019.
Jacques made the decision to retire at the age of 28 in 2020. He expressed his satisfaction with his achievements and departure from the team.
Canada Basketball and the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation expressed their condolences on social media. The IWBF also announced a moment of silence before Canada’s game against Germany at the women’s under-25 worlds on Sunday night.
Jacques participated in the first U25 tournament that took place in St. Catharines, Ont. She was recognized as an all-star during the 2015 tournament held in Beijing.
Source: cbc.ca
