Centennial High Basketball Star Finds Strength After Brother's Suicide

Senior captain Aidan Delafield uses the sport to cope with the tragic loss of his older sibling.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Centennial High School basketball star Aidan Delafield has been using the sport to help him cope with the devastating loss of his older brother Alec, who died by suicide in 2019. Delafield, the team's senior captain and top scorer, keeps his brother's memory alive through photos, video games, and other shared activities they once enjoyed together.

Why it matters

Delafield's story shines a light on the immense challenges young athletes can face when dealing with the trauma of losing a loved one, especially a sibling. His ability to channel his grief into his passion for basketball serves as an inspiring example of resilience and the healing power of sports.

The details

Delafield, a standout senior at Centennial High in Phoenix, Arizona, has been the team's leading scorer this season. He credits basketball with helping him work through the grief and pain of losing his older brother Alec, who took his own life in 2019 at the age of 21. Delafield keeps his brother's memory alive through cherished photos, video games they used to play together, and bike rides they shared.

  • Alec Delafield medaled at the state wrestling championships in 2019.
  • Alec Delafield died by suicide in 2019 at the age of 21.

The players

Aidan Delafield

A senior basketball captain and top scorer at Centennial High School in Phoenix, Arizona, who is using the sport to cope with the tragic loss of his older brother.

Alec Delafield

Aidan's older brother who died by suicide in 2019 at the age of 21.

Landon Delafield

Aidan's youngest brother.

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The takeaway

Aidan Delafield's story serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that the loss of a loved one can have on young athletes, and the vital role that sports can play in the healing process. His resilience and dedication to honoring his brother's memory through basketball offer hope and inspiration to others facing similar tragedies.