Basketball Legend Jose Piculin Ortiz Dies At 62 In Front Of Wife, Daughter, Cause Of Death Not Drugs

The international basketball community is mourning the loss of Puerto Rican basketball player, Jose Piculin Ortiz. It was on May 5, 2026, that Jose died at the age of 62. The Puerto Rico Federation had given the confirmation related to the same, and now the cause of death details have been released. Jose Piculin Ortiz had played briefly in the NBA but was widely regarded as the greatest Puerto Rican player of all time.

How did Puerto Rican basketball player, Jose Piculin Ortiz, die?

The Puerto Rico Basketball Federation shared that Jose passed away due to colorectal cancer. He was suffering from the same since 2023 and had passed away at the Ashford Hospital back in San Juan. Jose’s wife, Sylvia Rios and his daughter, Neira Ortiz were present with him during the time of his demise, and during his final days. Back in his homeland, Jose was one of the most successful players in the history of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional. In Puerto Rico’s top league game, Jose had won 8 championships. His international debut with the team was back in 1983 at the Pan American Games in Caracas, Venezuela.

Puerto Rican basketball player, Jose Piculin Ortiz, was undergoing cancer treatment for a long time

A report by Asatunews.com revealed that since May 1, 2026, Jose was undergoing treatment for his cancer, but his history with the disease dates back two years. It was in June 2023 when Jose was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, but his daughter and wife stood by him even during his last breath. The Puerto Rico Basketball Federation reportedly tweeted on X:

“Today, Puerto Rico loses more than an athlete. It loses a legend. Thank you for so much joy and for representing our flag with pride. Your legacy will live on every court.”

Jose Piculin Ortiz started playing basketball since a teenager

According to a report by Marca.com, Jose Piculin Ortiz was born on October 25, 1963, in Aibonito, Puerto Rico. He was one of the most dominant players in Puerto Rico’s domestic league and started playing when he was a teenager. Jose had gone to win eight national championships. Post playing basketball at Oregon State at the college level, he got selected by the Utah Jazz and was the 15th player picked by the NBA draft.

Jose Piculin Ortiz was away from public life due to his battle with cancer

The report further revealed that the ex-Puerto Rican player, who is one of the great legends of his country, also had an outstanding career and has faced many health issues in recent years. His illness was one of the biggest reasons why he was out of the eyes of the public. After making his international debut, Jose Piculin Ortiz represented Puerto Rico many times. He had defeated the United States back at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Jose Piculin Ortiz had been to rehabilitation for possessing drugs

It was in 2011 when Jose faced legal issues when more than 200 marijuana plants were discovered at his residence. It led to a lot of serious consequences, and the judge sent him to a rehabilitation centre. He was not sent to prison but was given a chance to improve. However, in 2012, he had to serve six months in prison as he failed a drug test. This was because he used to have cocaine. JosePiculinOrtiz’s legal issues did not just end there. It was in 2022 when he was again involved in a legal case and got arrested due to causing assault and property damage.

Rest in peace, Jose Piculin Ortiz.

Pic credit- marca.com/instagram

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