Winnipeg Sea Bears captain Chad Posthumus dies at 33 after brain aneurysm

Condolences and words of love are pouring in after the Winnipeg Sea Bears announced Thursday the team’s beloved captain Chad Posthumus has passed away.

The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) player was rushed to hospital after he suffered a brain aneurysm during a training session on Nov. 9, with complications arising from corrective surgery leaving the 33-year-old in critical condition.

“Chad fought hard but was unable to recover,” said a statement from the Sea Bears.

“Chad was and will always remain the face of our team. After a long, successful career playing abroad and for Team Canada, Chad was so excited to finally play professional basketball in his hometown, and he gave so much of his time and energy to both the team and our community.”

The CEBL club said they are forever grateful for Posthumus’ work both on and off the court and their thoughts are with the star athlete’s family, who issued a statement on Thursday morning.

“We are saddened to announce that Chad has passed away following a catastrophic stroke as the result of surgical complications,” the statement explained. “We thank you for all of the support and prayers we received through this difficult time.”

Prayers from the public also poured in.

“Chad, you were my daughter’s favourite! She wants to be a team leader just like you!” said one person in an online condolences book set up for the family.

“We loved watching you play for your hometown.. you exuded joy! You will be soo so sooo missed! Sending our condolences to everyone who is in deep grief right now! Fly high, Chad!”

“He was a great player, but a better man. He was a fantastic role model and served his city proud,” said another.

The death has come as a shock to many. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said the province “lost a real one” with Posthumus’ passing.

“Homegrown talent, leader, and inspiration, Chad was not only the captain of the @wpgseabears but also their first-ever draft pick—a legacy that will forever be part of Manitoba basketball history,” the premier wrote in an Instagram post. “On and off the court, he embodied heart, tenacity, and what it means to lead.”

Winnipeg’s top elected official said the loss has left him devastated.

“He had a huge heart and magnetic personality that matched his physical size,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham, posting a photo of himself next to the towering Posthumus. “ As a local boy, he was a favourite for (Sea Bears) fans and was dedicated to our community.”

The CEBL called the 33-year-old “one of our most beloved players.”

“Chad was a founding player in our league, helping lead Saskatchewan to the inaugural CEBL championship in 2019. He was a fan favourite in ensuing years playing with Ottawa and Winnipeg and representing Edmonton and Brampton in international tournaments,” said the CEBL statement.

“Chad had a love for people and for the game of basketball that lit up even the largest arenas. His spirit and passion touched the hearts of fans and inspired teammates and all of us blessed to have shared Chad’s all-too-brief life with him.”

Expressing their love for the young man, the Posthumus family is asking for people to donate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or a memorial scholarship that is being set up in the CEBL Star’s name.

Plans for a Celebration of Life are set to be released in the coming days.