What Happened To Joel Embiid Brother?

This article was last updated by on

What Happened To Joel Embiid Brother??? Siblings are those special people who know you like no other. You grow up together, live your childhood together and build memories. So, it is evident that everyone attaches emotionally to their siblings.

We sometimes get sad when our siblings are not around us. But we can’t even think of losing them forever. Unfortunately, the Philadelphia 76ers’ center forward, Joel Embiid, faced one of the most devastating experiences in life, i.e., losing his brother forever. 

In 2014, Joel’s younger brother Arthur Embiid died in a car accident. It was a massive blow for Joel’s family. The Cameroonian basketball star was so devastated by his incident that he even thought of stopping his playing career. 

Joel Embiid's brother, Arthur
Joel Embiid’s Brother, Arthur (Source: Twitter)

Joel Embiid is one of the emerging players in the NBA today. Drafted third overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Cameroonian debuted his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Embiid dropped 48 points on the top of 11 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks against the Washington Wizards on December 27, 2022. It is his sixth 48-point game this season and 32nd overall of his career. 

Joel was close to his brother and always showed love toward him in every way possible. So, what happened to Joel Embiid’s brother? How did the Embiid family handle the grief? We will talk all about them in the article.

But first, let us learn some quick facts about Joel’s brother Arthur Embiid.

Joel Embiid Brother | Quick Facts

Full Name Arthur Hans Embiid
Date of Birth 2001
Birth Place Yaounde, Cameroon
Religion Christianity
Nationality Cameroonian
Ethnicity Black 
Age 13 (At the time of demise)
Hair Color Black
Date of Death October 16, 2014
Father’s Name Thomas Embiid
Mother’s Name Christine Embiid
Siblings Joel Embiid, Muriel Embiid
Merch of Joel Embiid Funko Pop, T-shirt
Last Update April 2024

Arthur Embiid | Early Life

Since he died young, Joel‘s brother Arthur couldn’t enjoy his life and see his brother smash NBA records. He was born in 2001 in a city named Yaounde in Cameroon.

Arthur grew up together with his older brother Joel. He attended a local school in Cameroon. 

What Happened To Joel Embiid Brother Arthur Embiid?

It was 2014, the same year Joel had been drafted into the NBA Draft by the 76ers. However, he was able to debut in the NBA due to an injury.

He had a knee injury, and the physio suggested he take a break and make his debut sometime after fully recovering.

It was not at all a good time for Joel because it is every basketball player’s dream to get drafted into the World’s most prominent basketball league NBA, which he had gotten into, but he was not able to make a debut. 

On October 16, 2014, the Cameroonian was resting and preparing for his recovery, but that day, he got a call from his home back in Africa.

Every call from your family back home excites you; this time, Joel had a rather opposite reaction.

It was a call for him to let him know that his brother Arthur Embiid was no more with them.

It was devastating news for Joel to hear that the little brother he spent his childhood with, the brother he loved the most, had died. 

No one can imagine the feeling except those who face it. Sources reported that Joel Embiid’s brother Arthur Embiid died in a road accident.

He was returning home after school, was struck by a vehicle on the way, and died on the spot. Reports say that Arthur Embiid was struck down by a car that had rolled down a hill.

Anyone who knew their brother had been killed would return home to be with the family, and so did Joel. He stayed with the family for quite a time.

Relationship Between Joel Embiid And His Brother Arthur Embiid

Joel was devastated by the incident that he even thought of ending his career in the NBA. He also had a knee injury, and his brother’s death was fuel in the fire. Joel revealed that he wanted to quit NBA in an interview. 

It is to be noted that he hadn’t even debuted in the NBA until then and wanted to quit it. From this, we can imagine Joel’s closeness to his brother Arthur.

He loved his brother a lot, and the reaction regarding the decision to quit his NBA career before even starting it was justifiable. 

Joel’s Tribute To His Brother Arthur

On September 17, 2020, Joel Embiid welcomed a new family member. He had been with his girlfriend, Anna De Paula, and the couple had their first child. 

When Joel and his lover had their first son that day, there was no question as to what Joel would name the baby.

Joel wanted to keep his brother and his memories close to him, and thus, Embiid paid tribute to his dearest late brother Arthur in the best way possible by naming his first child by his brother’s name. He called his son Arthur Embiid.  

Joel took to his Twitter to announce the birth of his son and the name.

Joel Embiid's announcement post about his son named after his brother Arthur
Joel Embiid’s announcement Post About His Son Named After His Brother Arthur (Source: Twitter)

Moreover, Joel never misses a chance to remember his brother on any occasion. Likewise, in remembrance of his late brother, Joel has dedicated a new basketball court.

The Philadelphia center forward opened the Arthur Embiid Athletics Court at the Northeast Frankford Boys and Girls Club in Philadelphia. 

Joel Embiid Career 

Joel Embiid is a Cameroonian professional basketball player who plays for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was drafted third overall by the 76ers in the 2014 NBA Draft. 

Embiid scored a career-high 59 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and seven blocks in a 105-98 victory over the Utah Jazz on November 13, 2022. 

He made history after being the first player in NBA history with 50 points, 10 boards, five assists, and five blocks in a game since blocks became an official stat in the 1973-1974 season. 

Joel Embiid In Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid In Philadelphia 76ers Jersey (Source: Instagram)

The professional player scored 53 points and 11 rebounds against Charlotte Hornets and became the third player in Sixers’ history to have multiple 50-point games in a single season. 

Joel put up 44 points and seven rebounds against Los Angels Clippers on December 23, tying him with Wilt Chamberlian for a second-most 40-points game in Sixers history.

Embiid dropped 48 points on the top of 11 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks against the Washington Wizards on December 27, 2022. He has a good chance of breaking Allen Iverson‘s record. 

The Arthur Embiid And Angels Foundation

In partnership with his team, 76ers, National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), and UNICEF USA, the 76ers star Embiid announced a holiday fundraising campaign to help disadvantaged children in Cameroon’s home country.

Joel Embiid Has Launched “In Memory Of Arthur,” A Philanthropic Platform That Will Benefit The City Of Philadelphia
Joel Embiid Has Launched “In Memory Of Arthur,” A Philanthropic Platform That Will Benefit The City Of Philadelphia (Source: Twitter)

The campaign was inspired by the memory of his late brother, who lost his life at a very young age, and he ran the project through his charity, The Arthur Embiid & Angels Foundation.

He said, “My foundation, the Arthur Embiid & Angels Foundation, has partnered with UNICEF to help improve the lives of at-risk youth in Cameroon.”

Joel Embiid Brother Arthur Embiid | FAQs

When did Arthur Embiid die?

The younger brother of Joel Embiid, Arthur Embiid, died on October 16, 2014, at 13.

How did Joel Embiid’s brother die?

Arthur Embiid, brother of 76ers center forward Joel Embiid, died in a road accident when a truck struck him that was rolling down the hill. It was a tragic moment for the Embiid family, the NBA, and the whole sports fraternity. This incident nearly caused Joel to quit his NBA career before it took off. 

Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah is an engineer and content writer passionate about sports and athletics. With a background in engineering and a love for all things active, Sanjib brings a unique perspective to the world of sports writing. Whether he is covering the latest trends in sports technology or sharing tips on improving your game, Sanjib's words are always rooted in a deep appreciation for players' hard work and dedication everywhere. In his free time, you can find him hitting the courts or hitting the trails, always looking for new ways to challenge himself and improve his skills.

Related articles

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share article

Latest News