What Is Fab Melo's Cause Of Death? Former Syracuse, Boston Celtics Center Found Dead At 26 In Brazil

Former Boston Celtics center Fab Melo was found dead Saturday in Brazil, according to local police. He was 26 years old.

Melo died at his home in Juiz de Fora in Minas Gerais state, Brazilian military police said, according to ESPN. He was found dead Saturday morning by his mother, local officials said.

The cause of his death is not confirmed, however, media reports suggest Melo likely suffered a heart attack during his sleep.

"We don't know the cause yet. It's so hard right now, so hard to believe. It's a sad, sad day. He was a really good kid, and it's not fair that he will be defined by one thing: a 10-page paper," Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim told ESPN, referring to the 2012 season when Melo was disqualified for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament due to academics. "He worked his tail off to become a really good player and was a nice kid."

Melo had begun his professional basketball career in Brazil, his home country.

The seven-footer played as a center for two years for Syracuse Orange. In 2012, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics, with who Melo played six games during his rookie year.

The Celtics traded Melo to the Memphis Grizzlies in August 2013. However, he was waived out of the NBA soon after. He was signed with the Dallas Mavericks before the 2013-2014 season, but he was waived prior to the start of the season. He had also played professional basketball in recent seasons in Puerto Rico and Brazil.

Condolences and reactions poured on social media following the news of his death.