The NBA world is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Jason Collins, the first openly gay active basketball player in league history. The former NBA star died on May 12, 2026, at the age of 47 after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Across his 13-season career and especially after publicly coming out in a groundbreaking 2013 Sports Illustrated cover story, Collins inspired countless people in and beyond sports to embrace their true identities.
In his personal life, Collins was married to producer Brunson Green, 58, who stood by his side throughout his health battle. However, before coming out publicly, Collins had once been engaged to a woman. Here’s everything to know about Carolyn Moos-Hardin, the former fiancée with whom he shared nearly a decade-long relationship and once planned a future.
Carolyn Moos-Hardin remembers her ex-fiance, Jason Collins, after his death at 47
