In a heartbreaking turn of events that has left the NBA community reeling, promising Golden State Warriors rookie forward Alex Toohey has tragically passed away at the age of 21 in a fatal car crash earlier this evening. The incident occurred on Interstate 80 near Oakland, California, as the young Australian star was en route to join his G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, for their scheduled matchup against the Stockton Kings.
Emergency responders were called to the scene around 6:15 PM PST after reports of a multi-vehicle collision involving Toohey’s black SUV. According to preliminary statements from the California Highway Patrol, the crash was caused by a sudden loss of control on a rain-slicked stretch of highway, leading to a high-speed impact with a guardrail and subsequent rollover. Toohey, who was driving alone, was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders. No other vehicles or individuals were seriously injured, and the investigation is ongoing, with weather conditions cited as a contributing factor.
The Warriors organization released a somber statement just minutes after the news broke: “We are devastated beyond words by the loss of Alex Toohey, a bright light in our locker room and a talent whose passion for the game inspired us all. At just 21, Alex was on the cusp of a brilliant career, and his absence leaves an irreplaceable void. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the entire Sydney Kings community that nurtured his dream. The NBA family mourns with us tonight.”
A Rising Star Cut Short
Alex Toohey’s journey to the NBA was the stuff of underdog dreams. Born on May 5, 2004, in Sydney, Australia, the 6’8″ forward burst onto the international scene as a member of the NBA Academy, where his sharpshooting prowess and relentless work ethic quickly turned heads. Committing to Gonzaga University in 2022, Toohey ultimately bypassed college to join the NBL’s Next Stars program, signing with his hometown Sydney Kings in June 2023.
In his rookie NBL season, Toohey dazzled with averages of 8 points and 4 rebounds per game across 29 appearances, showcasing the smooth three-point stroke that would become his calling card. Opting to return to the Kings for the 2024-25 campaign rather than enter the 2024 draft, he honed his skills further, earning widespread praise for his Klay Thompson-esque shooting form and basketball IQ. His decision paid dividends: Selected 52nd overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2025 NBA Draft, Toohey’s rights were traded to the Golden State Warriors in a blockbuster seven-team deal on July 6, 2025, that also involved Kevin Durant.
Arriving in the Bay Area on a two-way contract, Toohey was poised for a breakout. Modeled after Warriors legend Klay Thompson, he aimed to carve out a role as a perimeter threat off the bench. However, his NBA debut was delayed by a nagging left knee injury that sidelined him through preseason and much of the early G League slate. Recent reports highlighted his determination during rehab, with Toohey himself admitting in a November interview that a subpar pre-draft workout had made him grateful for Golden State’s deeper scouting. “I apologized to them after they drafted me,” he quipped, “but they saw the real me.”
Toohey made his G League debut in late November, logging 39 minutes across two games for Santa Cruz and tallying 14 points and 6 rebounds on efficient 2-for-5 three-point shooting. Despite early rustโcritics noted concerns over his athleticism in the modern NBAโinsiders buzzed about his potential as a late-round steal, much like Trayce Jackson-Davis before him. Tonight’s game was set to be his third outing, a chance to build momentum ahead of a possible NBA call-up.
Tributes Pour In from Teammates and Rivals
The basketball world has erupted in grief, with tributes flooding social media and statements from across the league. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, visibly emotional in a postgame presser following tonight’s 112-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ersโironically played without Toohey due to his knee managementโchoked back tears: “Alex was more than a player; he was a kid with fire in his eyes, the kind that reminds you why we do this. He texted me this morning excited about tonight’s game. This… this is senseless.”
Stephen Curry, who was also out for the 76ers matchup with an ankle tweak, posted on X: “Heartbroken for Alex’s family and the Dubs. A shooter with a soul bigger than the court. Rest easy, kid. ๐ค #DubNationMourns.” Fellow Aussie NBA standout Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls echoed the sentiment: “Grew up idolizing the same dreams as you, mate. The NBL won’t be the same without your fight. Fly high.”
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