Jacqueline Cruz, mother of Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, died Monday from coronavirus complications, according to the team.
Towns announced in a March 24 Instagram video (later uploaded to YouTube) that his mother had been placed in a medically induced coma as a result of her worsening COVID-19 condition.
"We would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and medical personnel who cared for Jackie during her illness and all of Karl’s fans who sent their support this past month," the Timberwolves wrote in a statement. "Our deepest condolences go out to Karl and his family during this difficult time.”
Towns was extremely close to his mother, who was by his side during almost all of his career accomplishments.
The NBA community offered support to Towns via social media on Monday afternoon.
Here is a sampling of the messages:
For those who don't know, Jacqueline Cruz made the world go 'round for the Towns family. She was the light. The energy. The beating heart. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed her spirit. My thoughts are with @KarlTowns and the entire family.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) April 13, 2020
Stumbled on this video of Karl-Anthony Towns and his mom when he committed to Kentucky and now I'm sobbing pic.twitter.com/Rtb3Eqwxhg
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) April 13, 2020
Karl-Anthony Towns' dad, mom and girlfriend find out he made his first All-Star game 😭😭👏👏
Man, prayers to KAT and his family. Sitting here trying to find the words to say...just so sad. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) April 13, 2020(🎥 via kawa_xo/IG) pic.twitter.com/ouruFFuS7ADamn man. Praying for KAT and his family. Terrible News https://t.co/y2ZBMbfSxd
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) April 13, 2020— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) January 24, 2018
Rest In Peace to Karl-Anthony Towns Mother, she passed away today from the coronavirus. 😢
— New Culture 👑 (@NewCuIture) April 13, 2020
She was always ready to go to war for her son ❤️
pic.twitter.com/kr5oKKpMtJ
Praying for @KarlTowns and his family. Rest In Peace Mrs Jacqueline Towns! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾😔😔😔
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 13, 2020
Praying for Karl-Anthony Towns and his family! 🙏🏽
— Collin 'Young Bull' Sexton (@CollinSexton02) April 13, 2020
Prayers up for their family jeez 😓😓😓😓😓 https://t.co/Mr2dOhlV3R
— Jalen Brunson (@jalenbrunson1) April 13, 2020
Wow smh prayers up to KAT and his family. We all have to stick together. https://t.co/AMepATsAXH
— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) April 13, 2020
RIP momma Kat 😔
— Terry Rozier (@T_Rozzay3) April 13, 2020
Praying for KAT and his family right now!!!!! God please be with him
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 13, 2020