Former Celtics center Fab Melo dead at the young age of 26

Former Syracuse big man Fab Melo passed away in Brazil, team source confirms. Sad news.

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) February 12, 2017

Sad news. Former Celtics draft pick Fab Melo has passed away in Brazil. RIP.

— The Celtics on CSN (@CelticsCSN) February 12, 2017

RIP Fab Melo can't believe this 🙏😞

— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) February 12, 2017

Fab Melo still holds the @nbadleague record for 14 blocks in a single game. Rest In Peace, Fab.

— Maine Red Claws (@maineredclaws) February 12, 2017

ESPN:

Melo was found dead at his home in Juiz de Fora, in the state of Minas Gerais, Military Police confirmed. Melo went to bed on Friday night and was found dead in the morning by his mother, according to the authorities.

We don't know the cause yet," a shaken [Syracuse coach Jim] Boeheim added. "It's so hard right now, so hard to believe. It's a sad, sad day."

Rest in peace Fab Melo. Prayers to your family. Melo was a 2012 1st round pick of the Boston Celtics out of Syracuse University. He had been playing this season in the Brazilian pro league.