Saniya Rivers’ mother dies just weeks after WNBA draft

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The mother of Saniya Rivers who was drafted eighth overall in the WNBA Draft in April by Connecticut Sun has died.

Donnell Rivers confirmed that his wife, Demetria Rivers, 47, passed away Wednesday morning from congestive heart failure.

“Saniya got here about 10:35 this morning and was able to see her for about ten minutes before she passed,” Mr. Rivers said. “I took her to the hospital Monday because fluid was building up. They kept her and moved her to ICU yesterday.”

Mr. Rivers said while his wife had been sick, her death was unexpected.

“We’re just glad she was here to see the draft,” he said.

Saniya, the former Ashley High School basketball standout and North Carolina State women’s basketball star had her family with her draft night, including her mom who was known as Dee.

Saniya credited her mom for her basketball skills in an interview shortly after the draft.

“My mom played, dad, sister, brother, everybody so it’s in the blood,” said Rivers. “I got my first mini hoop when I was like two or three. It didn’t take long and I got on their nerves shooting the ball at whatever times of the day.”

The Connecticut Suns made a Facebook post sending their condolences to the family.

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