Lorenzen Wright's Children: Life After Tragedy & Beyond
Can the legacy of a life tragically cut short ever truly be defined? The story of Lorenzen Wright, a promising NBA talent whose life ended in a brutal murder, continues to unfold, impacting the lives of his seven children in ways that no one could have predicted.
The narrative surrounding Lorenzen Wright's death in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 19, 2010, is a complex tapestry of fame, fortune, betrayal, and unimaginable grief. A former Memphis star, drafted into the NBA in 1996, Wrights career held promise, but his life was punctuated by turbulence, culminating in a crime that shook the sports world and left a profound void in the lives of his loved ones.
The twins, Lamar and Shamar Wright, two of Lorenzen Wright's middle children, have stepped into the spotlight, sharing their story in an ESPN e60 episode. They, along with their siblings, are grappling with the aftermath of their father's murder and the subsequent legal battles that have ensnared their mother, Sherra Wright. These young men, now college basketball players at SIUE, carry the weight of their father's legacy and the responsibility of pushing forward, honoring his memory through their actions on and off the court. Their father's visit to Memphis from Atlanta on July 18, 2010, to see his children, including watching his teenage son, Lorenzen Jr., play basketball, now carries a different, poignant meaning.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lorenzen Vern-Gagne Wright |
| Born | November 4, 1975, Oxford, Mississippi |
| Died | July 19, 2010, Memphis, Tennessee (aged 34) |
| Nationality | American |
| High School | Lawerence County High School, Brookhaven, Mississippi |
| College | Memphis Tigers (1994-1996) |
| NBA Draft | 1996, 7th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers |
| NBA Teams | Los Angeles Clippers (1996-1999), Atlanta Hawks (1999-2000), Memphis Grizzlies (2001-2006, 2008-2009), Sacramento Kings (2006-2008) |
| Position | Center/Power Forward |
| Spouse | Sherra Wright (divorced 2010) |
| Children | Lorenzen Wright Jr., Sierra Wright (deceased), Loren Wright, Shamar Wright, Lamar Wright, Sofia Wright, Lawson Wright |
| Cause of Death | Murder |
| Significant Events | 2010: Murdered in Memphis, Tennessee; Billy Ray Turner convicted in 2019. Sherra Wright-Robinson convicted of conspiracy to commit murder. |
| Reference | Basketball-Reference.com |
Lorenzen Wrights story highlights the fragility of life and the enduring impact of loss. The couple, Lorenzen and Sherra, shared a history that began in their youth. Their relationship, however, was marked by volatility, culminating in a divorce finalized merely five months before his tragic demise. The couple had seven children together, a testament to the years they shared and the lives they brought into the world.
The investigation into Lorenzen Wrights death, which unfolded over years, revealed a disturbing narrative. Billy Ray Turner was eventually convicted, and Sherra Wright's involvement in the plot was exposed. In the aftermath, the children have had to navigate a complex legal and emotional landscape, including a custody battle over the children, as Sherra Wright fought extradition in California. The circumstances surrounding his death have brought added instability into the children's lives.
Lorenzen Wright Jr., the oldest of his children, born on April 11, 1995, has taken his grandfather's career path. Loren Wright, born on April 2, 1997, pursued a nursing career, demonstrating the familys diverse skills and interests. Among Lorenzen Wrights children, Lawson and Sofia Wright, born in 2007, have had to endure a challenging childhood, particularly after their mothers imprisonment. One of the children, Sierra Wright, tragically died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
The familys story also shows the strength of family bonds. Lorenzens adult children, particularly Lorenzen Jr., stepped up to raise their younger siblings after their mother was incarcerated. The children, now grown, are presented with the difficult decision of whether to file a wrongful death suit against their mother, adding another layer of complexity to an already heartbreaking situation.
The legal battles, the financial difficulties, and the emotional turmoil have taken a toll on the entire family. The Wright children even started a GoFundMe account on their mothers behalf, showcasing the complicated nature of their relationships and the shared trauma that binds them. The newspaper coverage details the couple's young courtship, their unstable marriage, and the devastating circumstances surrounding Sherra Wright.
The case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating consequences of criminal behavior. The story of Lorenzen Wright and his children is one of resilience, as they navigate the legal and emotional repercussions of his death. The story will continue to be explored in the media, with documentaries and specials offering further insights into the lives of those affected by this tragedy.
The impact of Lorenzen Wrights death is a chilling reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting impact of violence. The narrative serves as a harsh reality, illustrating the difficult consequences for the individuals directly affected by the crime, especially the children who were forced to grow up under such challenging circumstances. The story will continue to be explored in the media.
