Posted October 17, 2008. can let others By participating and submitting your request, you agree to share your information with us and our partners, and for them to contact you. Writing the book forced me to go back and re-account all the specific details, not only of that day but all the people I hurt too. No other details are made available. Market data provided by Factset. He had recently signed to play with the Chicago Bulls after playing for Duke University. Williams, 42, and a passenger in the car, 44-year-old Amber Wisted, were killed in the accident. Williams started his career with the Sacramento Kings being drafted 7th overall in the 1998 draft out of Florida. Williams, a Cuyahoga Falls resident, apparently was using a torch to thaw ice at an outside storage container in the business parking lot when the container blew up at about 8:30 a.m. Ice buildup from the recent cold and snowy weather was keeping a door to the container from opening, a preliminary investigation determined. That was humbling to go back to those people and get true accounts, of things that occurred when I was high on Oxy-Contin or when I was drinking a lot or depressed overall. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Authorities identified 51-year-old Jason Williams, from Woodstock, as the man who lost his life following a two-vehicle collision on Saturday in Northeast Cobb. Jayson Williams said he was "being a coward" on the night he shot his limo driver to death and tried to cover it up out of "selfishness.". It wasn't until I reflected on that, that I became grateful. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team and professionally for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, (September 26, 2021) - Jason Williams sadly died on Sunday, Sept. 26 when his car was struck by a Union Pacific train in Cedar Rapids. LinkedIn. (Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for The Legal Advocate. However, according to the New York Post, Williams reportedly accidentally shot and killed Christofi while playing with a shotgun during a tour of his home. On Feb. 14, 2002, Williams was giving a tour of his mansion to some of his friends. [19][20], For other people named Jason Williams, see, Life is not an Accident, William Jay, p. 258-9. And I still can play, but not day in and day out like Id have to in the NBA. Then known as Jason Williams, he won the 2001 NCAA Championship with Duke, and was named NABC Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002. Enjoy the moment. Williams was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the second overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft, after Yao Ming was selected by the Houston Rockets. Toggle As the second overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, the prolific point guard aimed to follow up his record-breaking college career at Duke University with a long tenure in the pros. Accident Report & Legal Consultation Disclaimer: Nationwide Report & Valiant Advocates is not a law firm, nor a lawyer referral service nor is it a substitute for hiring an attorney or law firm and does not provide legal advice. The car struck a tree and overturned, the write-up continued. But yeah, I made a dumb choice. Police believe the car was heading north in a black 2004 Ford Explorer and tried to pass in a no-passing zone. I remember waking up later with a tube down my throat and three metal pins down my leg. Since retiring, he has worked as an analyst for ESPN, initially working on ESPN College Basketball. Jason Williams sadly died on Sunday, Sept. 26 when his car was struck by a Union Pacific train in Cedar Rapids. He stated at the time that he would work hard in his physical rehabilitation so that he could make a return to the Bulls. The group was driven by limo back to the house and Williams was showing off his gun collection, according to ESPN. And I wouldnt have had that, or a sense of appreciation for my life or for my body, if that accident hadnt happened. According to the Jackson County Prosecutors Office, 31-year-old Zackary J. Zorich has been charged with driving while intoxicated - resulting in death. Now in his thirties, Jay Williams is convinced that the crash that almost killed him at twenty-one was no accident, but a tragedy that taught him how to live. And while nobody would confuse Jayson Williams as the next Shaquille ONeal, he still became a key player for the Nets after entering the NBA as the 21st overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft by the 76ers. And two: How do you get past those humps physically? [16], In 2021, Williams began hosting a podcast series titled The Limits with Jay Williams for NPR. He spent a month at Epiphany, a rehabilitation center in Florida, before deciding to stay there to help others as a volunteer. Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. I saw I was going toward this utility pole. Former point guard Jason Williams was known for his out-of-this-world ball handling ability and his highlight reel passes. On the night of June 19, 2003, Williams was riding a motorcycle at a fast speed on the North Side of Chicago. know, Marvin Buchmiller killed in El Dorado County crash on Highway 50, Jose Cisneros killed in Otay Mesa crash on La Media Road. He served an 18-month prison sentence before also serving another eight-month sentence for driving under the influence. Everything came to a crashing halt during on April 1, 1999. 10%. It kept me on the straight and narrow. I want to be out there competing. I had like an 11-year-old and like a seven-year-old. HAS A FUNDRAISER STARTED ON BEHALF OF THOSE AFFECTED? Id had my dream, and Id lost it. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client. Youre on Wall Street and you lose your job. .css-13y9o4w{display:block;font-family:GraphikBold,GraphikBold-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-13y9o4w:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.39461rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.3;}}This Coffee Shop Provides Free Therapy for Men, How To Stop Poop From Burning After Spicy Food, What to Do When You Hit Your Head Really Hard, 4 Things Every Man Should Know About Testosterone, The Truth About Testosterone and Your Libido, 20 Minutes of Exercise Lowers Hospitalization Risk. Id totally dislocated my kneetore every ligament and tendon. Tests of blood samples are pending. The Legal Advocate cannot and does not analyze a particular legal situation to determine what attorney or law firm should be introduced to a particular reader. Especially when I watch playoff games. A one-time NBA All-Star with the New Jersey Nets, Williams career got cut short by a devastating leg injury. +Client may be responsible for costs and expenses. I was transported in an ambulance, and I know I called my mom and told her to come to Chicago because I had been in a really bad accident. Remington Williams, the student representative to the University of Missouri System Board of Curators, died Wednesday in a car accident, eliciting emotional reactions from system officials and . But in the wake of a life-changing accident, he found a new dream to chase. OK, so I find this cassette tape the other day, I will try and post a pic of it tomorrow, of a band called Crash Alley. She is the second child of the Williams family, born in 2004. Williams was widely considered the best player in college basketball, earning both the prestigious Naismith Award and Wooden Award as College Basketball's Player of the Year in 2002. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. I think I've found a community of people that I can believe in. Michael Jordan owned a racing team. [18], He is married to Nikki Bonacorsi and is the father of one daughter, Amelia, and one son, Zane. Market data provided by Factset. "[There is] nothing I can do or say to bring Mr. Christofi back," Williams said in the interview. An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death, said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. They both started using drugs intravenously and both my sisters caught the AIDS virus. In his 2016 memoir, he mentioned that he became addicted to illegal painkillers as well as other drugs after the accident. That took a lot longer to recover from. For other reasons, Williams found life difficult well before his NBA days. When he was 13 years old, his older sister Linda was mugged and stabbed multiple times by a neighborhood junkie. *Stefano Formica is licensed in CA and NV only. I was lucky that 5 years later I was given a second chance at broadcasting, and then I was ready for it. Williams also played junior varsity soccer during his freshman year and was the state volleyball player of the year during his senior year. Irvine, California Some cases may be co-counseled with other lawyers. Bond Legal is organized as an LLC in Illinois and as a Professional Corporation in California. In 2019, however, Williams was reassigned to the NBA full-time with his addition on ESPN's NBA Countdown program. A skilled attorney can protect a grieving family from train companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend their negligence, while carefully guiding a client through the legal process.. KANSAS CITY, Mo. But it all changed in an instant when Williams crashed his motorcycle and nearly died. Previously, Williams covered college basketball for the network. Mia Williams . Williams was not wearing a helmet, nor was he licensed to ride a motorcycle in Illinois, and he was also violating the terms of his NBA Bulls contract by riding a motorcycle. He was released in April 2012. Well before the tragic death of Costas Christofi, Jayson Williams had suffered tremendously himself. Attorney Jason L. Williams is an experienced trial lawyer who has earned the respect of his peers in the legal community. this form to get started. It wasn't until I started surround myself with people that actually held me to higher standards than what I held myself to. On February 14, 2002, Williams shot and killed his limousine driver, Costas Gus Christofi. Articles published by The Legal Advocate, do not constitute or contain legal advice, but instead provide general information with respect to common issues encountered by the general public with respect to theoretical legal matters. For other reasons, Williams found life difficult well before his NBA days. New Jersey made the NBA playoffs but got bounced in the first round by Michael Jordans Chicago Bulls. Keep fighting. KANSAS CITY, Mo. [1] His playing career was effectively ended by a motorcycle accident in 2003. But it all changed in an instant when. Your search returned 2097 person(s) and 1122 crash(es), click column header to sort columns: Limo driver Costas Gus Christofi was fatally shot after bringing Williams and his entourage home from a Globetrotters game in Bethlehem. WILLIAMS: I think my relationship with God is a work in progress. He underwent surgery the next day and had to have a plate and five screws inserted into his leg. The 6-foot-9, 240-pounder definitely didnt make an impact right away. During his age-29 season, Williams earned his first and only NBA All-Star selection after averaging 12.9 points and 13.6 rebounds. In fact, he started just nine games for the 76ers before the franchise traded their disappointing former first-round pick to the Nets for a conditional draft choice. 23 years. Are you at risk for an accident? Jayson Williams never put up big-time scoring numbers, but the former Philadelphia 76ers first-round pick eventually developed into a rebounding machine. I had to wake up every morning from Jamaica Queens and drive my son to Manhattan and then beat the traffic back. The content of this page is covered by and subject to our legal disclaimer. Its one of the most underrated things. I don't want to remember the worst day. Williams was a kid of his own who had just signed with St. Johns and he found himself with two young children. The cover-up was selfishness me trying to protect myself.". -- After just one season with the Chicago Bulls, a team starved for a new messiah since Michael Jordan's retirement, Jay Williams destroyed his career when he suffered a horrific motorcycle accident. Jason Williams sadly died on Sunday, Sept. 26 when his car was struck by a Union Pacific train in Cedar Rapids. Physically Ill never be able to do everything I could. [17], Jay is a cousin of former NFL wide receiver David Tyree. We're available 24/7. WILLIAMS: Seconds. Five years before my accident in 2003, you saw Kobe and Shaq pull up to games on bikes. Jay Williams: It forced me to go back. During an interview on 60 Minutes in 2016, Williams called himself a coward. This Coffee Shop Provides Free Therapy for Men, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Williams was a two time All ACC First Team player in 2001 and 2002 as well. His two younger siblings' sisters are Mia Williams and Nina Williams. I love what Im doing now, and the direction my life is going in. An attorney-client relationship is not formed when calling the number on this site or filling out our form. He is admitted to practice in all of the Florida State Courts, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Jay Williams was sitting on top of the world in June 2003. Thats part of my DNA now. After a successful rookie campaign, he looked to be on his wayuntil he flew off his motorcycle one summer night. [7] Years after the accident, he appeared in college and high school basketball broadcasts on the ESPN network as a commentator. I also tore an artery in my left leg, and my doctors told me Id almost bled to death. Being angry and having no one to blame but myself. The. Williams was declared deceased at the scene. He graduated with a degree in Sociology in 2002, and left Duke with 2,079 points, good for sixth all-time, and with his jersey number 22 retired at Senior Day. Every time I turned on the TV something would remind me of basketball. Williams also set the NCAA Tournament record for three-pointers attempted (66), while also making 132 three-point field goalsgood for the sixth-highest total in NCAA history. Posted at 10:14 AM, May 22, 2020 . All rights reserved. Yes. I remember it felt like water was running down my body. It was also me not being able to hide from my past. The fatal motorcycle crash took place at about 5:30 p.m. on Alabama Road and Old Mountain Park Road. All rights reserved. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Nationwide Report and Valiant Advocates do not endorse or recommend any participating Third-Party Legal Professionals that pay to participate in this advertising. I started looking at myself as a company and who's on my board? A guy named Sergio had stabbed her 17 times and beat her over her face with a hammer, Williams said in a 2019 interview with DJ Vlad. And then another. Bond Legal works with The Legal Advocate to provide these news updates because we are passionate about helping victims and their families and hold those who are responsible accountable to make our communities safer. WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEAVE WELL WISHES OR REMEMBRANCES FOR FAMILY MEMBERS? FOX411: You became addicted to painkillers. (KCTV) - A man has been charged in connection with a crash that led to the death of Remington Williams, a student representative for the University of Missouri System. When the van made the left turn, it got struck on the right side by a blue 2016 Yamaha FJR motorcycle, driven by Williams. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. [15] Presently, Williams is the Spokesperson of Visions Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Endwell, New York. It was a life-altering event. The case status is Disposed - Dismissed. In my upcoming book, Life Is Not an Accident, I talk about the power to reinvent yourself. Pending an investigation, the family of Jason Williams may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for medical and funeral expenses, the loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. A few years after Jayson Williams retired after a nine-year NBA career, playing mostly with the New Jersey Nets, he was back in the news. . Virginia State Police identified the driver as Jason Williams and the passenger as Wendy Terrell. A gruesome motorcycle crash ended Jay Williams's young NBA career. The Nets had just made their first playoff appearance since the 1993-94 season. The only accolade I give myself in my whole life is that my kids only missed five days of school and I got my degree in four years.. I remember spinning in the air, and then lying on the ground screaming at myself, You threw it all away!. Legal Statement. And they drive home. His next of kin was notified, authorities said. Being cool with owning the fact that I have crazy scars on my leg from more than 100 staplesand that I did that to myselfis the biggest hurdle Ive ever had to get over in my life. There were three splints in my leg to relieve the pressure. Privacy Policy and Williams suffered minor injuries and was taken to Bellevue Hospital. FOX411: It's frustrating reading that you didn't have a motorcycle license and weren't wearing a helmet. Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. 92614, SHARE IT WITH US SO WE CAN LET OTHERS KNOW. He was drafted second overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Bulls. A gruesome motorcycle crash ended Jay Williams's young NBA career. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. A week after the motorcycle crash, the Bulls drafted point guard Kirk Hinrich. I almost passed away at 21. The fateful crash occurred at about 4:15 p.m. as Williams was traveling southbound from a private railroad crossing. The crash happened in the area of 75th and Ward Parkway on Wednesday morning. Williams works for ESPN as an NBA analyst. If you purchase items or book appointments through the links on this website, we may earn a commission at no cost to you (i.e. The shocking crime spurred weeks of national coverage as investigators and reporters tried to untangle the details. The fatal shooting occurred in the bedroom of Williams home. On Feb. 14, 2002, limo driver Costas "Gus" Christofi was accidentally shot and killed at the home of NBA All-Star Jayson Williams after driving Williams and his entourage home from the Lehigh. "Pay $0 Unless We Win For You," refers only to contingent fees charged by the attorney. Legal analysts quoted may not be licensed in your state. His style of play earned him the nickname "White Chocolate.". The Police Crash Report is available for this accident or others that have happened in the past and are provided to the individual or direct family members. Actually, no. . Williams served 18 months and then served another eight months on a driving-under-the-influence charge. After suffering that devastating leg injury, he never played in an NBA game again. But 20 years ago this week, it was also the scene of tragedy. All rights reserved. Favorite CD:Metal Church-S/T. His nickname in high school was "Jay Dubs." Jaxon Williams is the eldest child and the only son of Jason Williams and Denika Kisty. Legal Statement. ESPN MediaZone (2010). Police say it . I was very close to having my whole leg amputated. Williams officially retired from the league on June 28, 2000. While he would no longer make headlines for his basketball career, Jayson Williams stayed relevant for an entirely other reason. WILLIAMS: It was a combination. At his sentencing hearing, Jayson Williams apologized to Christofis family and said, Theres not a day I wake up and I dont feel sorry for what I did to Mr. Christofi.. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. He is married to Nikki Bonacorsi and is the father of one daughter, Amelia, and one son, Zane. I severed an artery in my left leg and I was bleeding internally. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). "I've quit trying to protect myself," Williams said. For a long stint, that was unbearable. Virginia State Police identified the driver as Jason Williams and the passenger as Wendy Terrell. Life changes like that. The tape is self titled on EZ Records from 1991 and again out of Cincinnati, Ohio. It took a long time to get to that point. Enter your Zip code for a more local, Though it took him a few years to work on his game, Williams eventually became the Nets starting power forward/center. Copyright 2022 KCTV. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. WILLIAMS: I was taking them three or four times a day. Nor does The Legal Advocate guarantee the reliability or accuracy of any statement or opinion provided by any attorney or legal service quoted or referenced in The Legal Advocate. *Candice Bond is licensed in CA, IL, TX & WA only and can be contacted at 17500 Red Hill Ave. #100 Irvine, CA 92614, 949-988-7100, cmbond@bondlegalgroup.com. In basketball that year, Williams was named a First Team All-State Player in New Jersey, the New Jersey Player of the Year, a Parade All-American, a USA Today first team All-American, and a McDonald's All-American, where he competed in the Slam Dunk Contest and the McDonald's All-American Game, scoring 20 points in the contest. 2023 Belsito Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. The sole basis for the inclusion of the participating lawyers or law firms is the payment of a fee for exclusive geographical advertising rights. According to the California Highway Patrol, a multi-vehicle accident, February 2, 2023 / Source: CBS News. For National Mens Health Week 2014, Williamsnow a college basketball analyst for ESPNshares the details behind his career-ending crash, and how it ultimately gave him a second chance at life. You are not forming an attorney-client relationship and you are under no obligation to retain or hire the attorney that may contact you. Christofi had been hired to drive Williams and several of his friends to dinner. By clicking 'Request My Report', you agree to share your information with our companies and legal advertising partners, and for them to contact you. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. [citation needed]. In 2003, Jay Williams had a bright future ahead of him on the hardwood. One: How do you get past something like this mentally? Yes. Use the built-in request form below to get your request started quickly. But the mental hurdle of not caring what other people think? Williams made headlines when he served prison time in the accidental death of his limousine driver back in 2002. I was 21 and on my bike, just cruising along in Chicago. The cover of the tape is, of course an alley, with a hot chick and some long haired dude . or redistributed. or do you have a news tip for us? If you find that the information is offensive or incorrect, please make aRequest to Remove Article. He even wiped the shotguns stock and put it in Christofis hands to make it appear as though the gunshot was self-inflicted. Hello, we are Candice Bond* and Stefano G. Formica*, and the law firm of Bond Legal works closely with victims and their families impacted by a variety of accidents and tragedies. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. "I just try to live right and let the pieces fall where they may. Dr. A's weekly risers and fallers: Jeremy Sochan, Christian Wood make the list, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West. [4], In 200102, Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Mike Dunleavy Jr. each scored at least 600 points for the season, a feat only matched at Duke by Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, and Nolan Smith in the 200910 season. Bond Legal representatives are available 24/7. I have to hike my leg up more when I walk. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. Nationwide Report provides daily traffic accident, health & safety news for local areas across the United States. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-599-0297 or use the submission box found on this page. As a result, the accuracy of the content is not guaranteed and is based on information that has already been reported by our news sources and we do not assume responsibility for its accuracy. That's my only job, just to be sober. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. When it became clear Williams would not be returning to the Bulls for a long time, if at all, because of his severe injuries, the Bulls chose to waive him and drop him from the roster. According to the National Transportation Safety Bureau, nearly every two hours a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the U.S. Each year, approximately 1,000 people are killed in train-related accidents. Life is all about who you decide to surround yourself by. In every way, shape, and form, it looked like a bright future for Williams and the Nets. While doing so, he also had adopted his sisters children and had to make sure they were getting their education as well. Legal services are limited to the foregoing states. "Be sober. Williams was The New York Post reported that Williams was playing with a shotgun while giving a tour of his 30,000-square-foot (2,800 m 2) home when the weapon fired, killing Christofi. But in the wake of a life-changing accident, he found a new dream to chase by Jay Williams Published: Jun 12, 2014 Media. Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, said in cases such as this it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned lawyer in a timely manner to protect the family of a victims rights. FOX411: It's amazing that you worked yourself back to potentially playing again. Williams is widely known for being the Spokesperson of Visions Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Endwell, New York. Terrible accident and the way I acted after the accident was being a coward. He last signed with the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League, but was waived on December 30, 2006, due to lingering physical effects from his accident.[2]. Copyright 2023 Nationwide Report. In the first year of his massive contract extension, Williams broke his right leg in a collision with Stephon Marbury. Williams was giving Christofi a tour of his mansion when the former Nets player was showing a shotgun that he thought was unloaded but that went off and killed Christofi. His 841 points broke Dick Groat's 49-year Duke record for points in a season, while he led all tournament scorers with a 25.7 points per game average. At the time of his injury, Williams had been averaging 8.1 points and 12.0 rebounds. He required lengthy physical therapy to regain the use of his leg. Nobody did anything to me, I did it to myself and that was way more painful than anything. In "Life is not an Accident: A Memoir of Reinvention," Williams, now 34, recounts the terrible accident and what happened afterwards, including an addiction to painkillers. 9, 2022 at 3:19 PM PDT. If you would like us to help you and your family, please contact us through one of the methods below. Terms of Service apply. By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.California Edition. At Duke, Williams, a 6-foot-2-inch (1.88m), 195-pound (88kg) point guard, became one of the few freshmen in school history to average double figures in scoring and was named ACC Rookie of the Year and National Freshman of the Year by The Sporting News, averaging 14.5 points, 6.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds per contest. The fatal motorcycle crash took place at about 5:30 p.m. on Alabama Road and Old Mountain Park Road. 'Whatever seed we are, we're ready': Is there room for Cleveland among the East elite? It took years of rehab. However, on October 22, the Nets released him.[8]. On September 28, 2006, the New Jersey Nets announced that they had signed Williams to a non-guaranteed contract. We had to take all the mirrors out of the house because she was deformed in her face because he broke the hammer over her face by hitting her so many times. Williams then lost his other sister. The fateful crash occurred at about 4:15 p.m. as Williams was traveling southbound from a private railroad crossing.