Meet The Children Of The Late NBA Star Lorenzen Wright: A Family's Ongoing Struggle

The family of Lorenzen Wright, the former NBA player who was found murdered in a Memphis, Tennessee, burial ground in 2010, continue to navigate the complexities of life without their father.

**Lorenzen Wright's Family Keeps His Memory Alive**

Lorenzen Wright's legacy lives on through the six children he left behind: Ryan, 25, Ashley, 24, Gwen, 23, Shayla, 22, and twins Sofia and Ewin, 18. To cope with the loss, the family has been rallying around one another, finding ways to honor their father's memory while working through their grief.

"We're still learning as we go," Ryan Wright, Lorenzen's eldest child, said in an interview with ESPN. "We're taking it one day at a time. We're not getting better, we're just getting older."

The family has been open about their struggles in the years following Lorenzen's murder. His daughter Shayla Wright, who was 17 at the time of her father's death, has spoken publicly about the emotional toll it has taken on her life.

"Saying goodbye to my dad was like cutting out a part of me," Shayla told Sports Illustrated. "I didn't know how to process it. I just wished that he was there for me to talk to."

**Growing Up With a Father Figure in the NBA**

Growing up, the Wright children had the unique experience of watching their father play in the NBA. Lorenzen Wright spent 13 seasons in the league, playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Sacramento Kings.

"It was amazing," Ryan recalled. "I got to see him play a lot. Seeing him on TV and in person, it was something that you don't see every day. We were proud to be his family."

However, being part of an NBA family came with its own set of challenges. The Wright children often found themselves navigating the pressures and demands of living with an elite athlete.

"We didn't always get to see him," Gwen Wright, Lorenzen's second-oldest child, said in an interview with Fox Sports. "He'd be on the road for weeks at a time, and we'd have to stay with family or live away from him. It was hard to adjust to, but we learned to deal with it."

**Coping with Tragedy**

The family's relationship with their father was undoubtedly complex, with both joyful and difficult moments. They have spoken publicly about the emotional struggles that followed his death.

"We've had therapists, we've had counseling," Ryan said. "We've had family meetings to just talk about stuff. We're still working through it. We're still getting closure."

Lorenzen's daughter Sofia Wright, who was 10 at the time of her father's death, has shared her own struggles with loss on social media. She has spoken about the emotional pain of growing up without a father, and the importance of staying connected to her siblings during the grieving process.

"We're stronger because of this," Sofia wrote in an Instagram post. "We wouldn't be who we are today if we didn't go through what we went through. I'm grateful for my family and friends who kept us grounded through the worst of times."

**Seeking Closure**

The Wright family has been pushing for justice in Lorenzen's murder case. In 2020, the Memphis police announced that they had identified the shooter as Billy Turner, who was charged with his death.

"We've been waiting for a long time for someone to be held accountable for my father's murder," Ryan said in an interview with CNN. "We're just hoping that justice is served, and that my dad can finally rest in peace."

The case continues to be ongoing, with many questions still unanswered. However, the Wright family remains committed to seeking closure and ensuring that their father's legacy lives on through them.

"We just want my dad to be remembered in a positive light," Ashley Wright, Lorenzen's sister, said. "We want to keep his memory alive because he touched a lot of lives, not just basketball lives, but real lives."

**Celebrating Lorenzen's Legacy**

In memory of their father, the Wright children have started various initiatives to keep his legacy alive. They have established the Lorenzen Wright Foundation, which supports education and community programs in Memphis.

The foundation also hosts an annual charity game, which draws in former NBA players and coaches to honor Lorenzen's memory.

"It's a way for us to remember our dad," Ryan said. "It's a way for us to stay connected to the community that loved him. It's a way for us to give back."

As the Wright family navigates the ongoing journey of grief and healing, they continue to find ways to celebrate their father's life and legacy.

"We're proud of who our dad was," Shayla said. "We're proud of what he stood for, and we're proud of the people he touched. We just want to keep his memory alive, and that's what it's all about."

Understanding the Aftermath of a Tragic Death

**Coping with Grief**

The loss of a loved one can be devastating, and the Wright family's experience highlights the complexities of coping with grief.

"Scream, cry, and rage," Ryan advised, speaking about the emotional toll it's taken on his life. "Take time to grieve, but also take time to remember the good things about your dad. We've learned that. We've learned to keep his memory alive, even on tough days."

**Seeking Closure**

Coping with the loss of a loved one can also involve seeking closure. However, closure can be complex and may involve ongoing searches for information.

"It's not over," Ryan said. "It's not just because the police solved the case. There's still more that we're waiting to hear."

Lorenzen's murder may have been solved, but the Wright family continues to seek justice, hoping that their father's memory will be honored.

**Lorenzen Wright: A Man of Faith and Community**

Building a Legacy Through Family

Faith and community were key components of Lorenzen Wright's life. He was a devoted family man and pillar of his community.

"That's what dad was about," Gwen said. "He loved his family. He loved his community. He loved his church. He loved people. He loved life."

**Significance of Family**

Family played a significant role in Lorenzen's life. His children were his everything, and he often spoke about the importance of family.

"Family is not just about my dad," Ryan emphasized. "Family is about Ryan, Ashley, Gwen, Shayla, Sofia, and Ewin Wright. It's about what we did together and what we still do together."

**Bonding Over Basketball**

Lorenzen's children shared their father's love of basketball. The family often spent hours playing ball in their backyard.

"We played basketball together," Sofia said. "We played for fun. We didn't play in front of cameras; we played for ourselves. It was a special time in our lives."

**Bearing the Weight of a High-Profile Death**

Growing up in the shadow of a high-profile death has been a double-edged sword for the Wright children. They have had to navigate the pressures and scrutiny that come with it.

"It's tough, you know?" Ryan said. "People always want to know more. They always want to know what happened. They always want to know how we're doing."

**Celebrate the Positive Legacy of Lorenzen Wright**

Lorenzen Wright, a devoted family man and pillar of his community, continues to inspire his children through the numerous initiatives they have established in his honor.

By honoring their father's legacy, the Wright children have created a communitywide tribute to the NBA star, who left an enduring impact on their lives and the lives of those around him.

A World Without Lorenzen Wright

Let the Family's Strength Be Our Legacy

Tragedy Has Shaped Their Lives

In the end, the legacy of Lorenzen Wright is a testament to the strength that his children have found in the face of tragedy. They are the driving force behind initiatives and organization that continue to serve the community, using their pain to fuel growth and healing.