UJamarcus Ellis, a revered basketball player from Westinghouse High School, tragically died at age 38 yesterday, October 27. The car accident, which led to his demise, occurred in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. Ellis, an alum of Indiana University, was known not only for his impressive basketball skills but also for his generous spirit.

As reported by Chicago Sun-Times, Ellis' car hit a viaduct pillar on South Western Avenue around 2 a.m. Ellis was declared dead at Mount Sinai Hospital owing to serious injuries. Chicago's Major Accident Investigation Unit is investigating the incident.

Known to many as "Tone-Tone" or "Tom-Tom," Ellis was esteemed for his caring demeanour. According to his former coach, Quitman Dillard, Ellis always prioritized others' needs. Having lost his parents at a young age, Ellis found camaraderie within the basketball community, maintaining this connection throughout his life.

In his sports career, Ellis had much success to quickly note, being named a Sun-Times' First Team All-State selection in 2004, alongside Jon Scheyer, current Duke coach, and NBA player Shaun Livingston , via the Chicago Sun-Times. He also played professionally in Canada and the G League and represented Chicago in the FIBA World Championships in Brazil, 2015.

Post his basketball career, Ellis continued to uplift others using his love for the sport. He worked as a paraprofessional at a school in the western suburbs of Chicago. Deandre Thomas, a former teammate and longtime friend, told Chicago Sun-Times that Ellis deeply cared for his students and was endeavoring to enrich their lives.