Memphis authorities: Ex-NBA player Lorenzen Wright shot to death; body found in woods

Police: Ex-NBA player Lorenzen Wright fatally shot

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Authorities say former NBA player Lorenzen Wright whose body was found in a wooded area outside of Memphis was shot to death.

Memphis police said Thursday that the Shelby County medical examiner’s office reported that Wright died of a gunshot wound.

Family members had said Wednesday that police told them Wright’s body had been found but authorities wouldn’t immediately confirm it.

Wright is a 34-year-old Memphis native and was last seen around midnight on July 18. His family filed a missing person report with police on July 22.

Wright played 13 years in the NBA with five different teams including the Memphis Grizzlies. Wright left the University of Memphis early for the NBA, and the Clippers made him a lottery pick with the No. 7 selection overall.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis police say they are investigating the discovery of a body that family members have said is missing NBA player Lorenzen Wright as a homicide.

Police have not confirmed that identity. The body was found Wednesday in a wooded area in southeast Memphis.

Relatives tell The Associated Press that the body is Wright and they are mourning his loss. The 34-year-old Memphis native was last seen July 18. His family filed a missing person report with police July 22.

The Memphis Police Department is leading the investigation but has provided little information about the case or how the victim died. A statement from the department Thursday said it has “some of the finest homicide investigators” working on the case and will release details later.