Daughter of Former Suns GM Lance Blanks Shares Tribute To Her Dad Who Died By Suicide

Former basketball star and Phoenix Suns general manager Lance Blanks has died by suicide. His daughter Riley Blanks Reed shared the news in an emotional tribute written for ESPN as well as in multiple Instagram posts.

Lance's death was announced last Wednesday, but his cause of death wasn't until Riley's column and Instagram posts. Lance was 56 years old.

"On the morning of May 3, 2023, my father, Lance Blanks, took his life," Blanks Reed began her essay for ESPN. "People will ask, 'How did we not see it?' And people will say, 'This wasn't him. Someone like him wouldn't do this.' People will want more information. But the fact is we will never truly know why. And we don't need to. All we need to do is remember him, honor him, celebrate him and pour our love into the family that made him happy."

Riley's heartfelt story reflected on her father's professional legacy, how he always said to "keep it real" and how he was a "leader and a guardian angel."

"Lance Blanks was a leader," she continued.

"Not just the humble, legendary Texas Longhorns shooting guard, the scoring machine with the most epic defense skills and court dance moves of his time. Not just the Pistons' 26th pick in the 1990 NBA draft or the passionate player who competed in Germany, Cyprus and Hungary. Not just the NBA executive who worked for the Spurs, Cavaliers, Suns and Clippers, treating every day like it was a Wednesday, burning the midnight oil, lifting weight people couldn't see. Not just the head of scouting who knew players like the backs of his big, strong hands. Not just an ESPN and Longhorn Network basketball analyst who brought light, storytelling and accessibility to every game. Not just the relentless patriarch of his family, the adoring father of his daughters and the devoted father of his community."

Riley also reminisced about her childhood. She said she was born the year his NBA career began. She remembers spending many hours together at basketball games while he scouted, and shared a story about the time he first put a tennis racket in her hand.

"Daddy first put a tennis racket in my hand when I was 5 years old on a red clay court in Nicosia, Cyprus; I remember a foggy day, a racket as long as my torso and a dad with a crystal-clear vision for my future," she recalled. "He was my athletic mentor from childhood to college. He gave me a sport that would define my character, bolster my intuition and elevate my maturity."

She also talked about a time she remembers when she was 12 years old.

"We once spent hours in a parking lot when I was 12 years old, standing in front of a box that almost reached my waist. he said we wouldn't leave until I jumped on the box. I was terrified. But he believed in me," she wrote. "I'd do anything now to go back to that day, to feel his confident presence alongside my fear."

Riley also shared tributes to her father on her Instagram page. Last week, she posted two photos. Her heartfelt caption begins, "My person. My idol. My teacher. My confidant. My dad. My best friend. My everything is gone from this world."

The caption continues to share her feelings. "This is a fear I don’t know how to face. These are feelings I don’t know how to write. But I will. I love you beyond rationale daddy. Bryn and I will honor you with everything you left us. We will look at each other and we will find you."

In another Instagram post shared on Tuesday, Riley reveals her father died by suicide.

"Today, a tribute I wrote for @espn was published, honoring my father, Lance Blanks–a humble, legendary man with kind eyes and the strength of a bull. On May 3, he unfathomably took his own life. Writing this piece through tears, I grappled with the harsh reality and the vivid memories of Daddy's vibrant life. The process took me out of the present moment and put me right alongside Daddy as he blazed through his life," her caption began.

"The grief I'm experiencing is both jarring and intangible. Daddy embodied conflicting thoughts and emotions, unafraid to walk the tightrope of life's complexities. I feel that ideology coursing through me."

Many of her followers left their condolences and messages of love and support in the comment section.

"I’m holding you and your family in my heart and prayers. Your dad was a wonderful light being. And you already carry his beautiful legacy of heart and strength!!! Love you Riley!!! ❤️❤️❤️," one follower wrote.

Another added, "So beautifully said and so important for so many. I am sure your pain is excruciating , yet you were able to express your love for your Daddy so beautifully."

If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis or considering suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org. 

In Canada, call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 from 4 p.m.-midnight ET.