Zimbabwean man who had potential to play in the NBA commits suicide in USA

June 17, 2018

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Basketball sensation Simi Socks who had high hopes of being drafted into the National Basketball Association (NBA), died from a gunshot wound in Texas. Simi Socks was very talented that he was expected to be the first Zimbabwean to play in the NBA. The 22-year-old Simi Socks was found dead on 5 June 2018, in the morning in his truck in the 200 block of Shady Oaks Drive, just off Southlake Blvd in Southlake, Texas.

Simi was very lucky to escape a horrific car accident 2 months before his death. His car was destroyed beyond repair and he was very fortunate to walk out alive from the car wreck. There are reports that after the car accident, Simi became very depressed, and this may have contributed to his death. Simi’s death left a lot of people confused and with a lot of questions because he was a very nice and humble young man. Simi was laid to rest on Saturday 16 June 2018 in Coppell, Texas and his funeral was attended by more than 2000 people. The city of Coppell was brought to a standstill with people from all walks of life coming to attend Simi Socks funeral, It was like a funeral of a celebrity.

Some people in the DFW area were speculating that Simi was killed but Simi’s mom was brave enough to quickly shutdown the rumors and informed the thousands gathered at his funeral that Simi committed suicide but she had no idea where he got the gun from. At the time of going to press we were not sure whether the Police Investigations pertaining Simi Socks death are closed or investigations are still underway. In attendance was Pastor Emmanuel Sundire from Harvest International Church, Pastor Malvern Vito from Rise Fellowship Church, Pastor Micah Mafukidze from Methodist Church and a lot of Zimbabweans from the DFW area (Mr Sam Mutizwa, Haslam, Mr Augustine Pamire, …just to mention but a few).

Simi Socks Burial at Rolling Oaks Memorial Center

Mourners Gathered at Simi Socks burial in Coppell Texas

Pastor Micah Mafukidze at Simi Socks Burial in Coppell Texas

LISTEN TO WHAT SIMI’S COACH HAD TO SAY ABOUT HIM

Simi was born on March 20, 1996 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe to his loving parents Emmanuel and Thalenta Ncube Socks. The family moved to the USA in 2000 and settled in Indianapolis. Simi went to elementary school in Indianapolis. For middle school Simi attended Hubble Middle School in Wheaton, Illinois and Truman Middle School in Grand Prairie, Texas. He graduated from Coppell High School in Coppell Texas in 2014 before doing a post grad at Bridgton Academy in Maine. He went to the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in 2015 on a full ride basketball scholarship. He graduated with a degree in Computer Science (ICT) on May 12th and we celebrated his achievements and passions on 13 May 2018. Simi enjoyed and was a passionate and talented basketball player featured in the first teams for both Coppell High School and UIW. He had set his sight on transferring to another school as a graduate transfer for one year and dreams of playing professional basketball.

He is survived by his mother, father, his brothers Simisani and Sibusiso; grandparents, several uncles, aunts; and his girlfriend Kristen. He is preceded by his maternal grandparents, paternal grandmother and aunt. Simi’s life would look short to many, but those he lived with, can testify to his love for his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of academic and sporting excellence. He will be missed by his parents, siblings, family and friends.

Socks was born in Zimbabwe, became a star at Coppell and played for three years at the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio. He started 12 games during his last season at Incarnate Word before graduating last month.