Ateneo releases official statement on death of two basketball players
- Two Ateneo Blue Eagles players tragically lost their lives during a team-building activity in Aurora
- Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili were among the promising young athletes of Ateneo’s basketball program
- Ateneo de Manila University expressed profound grief and extended support to the families, teammates, and loved ones of the two student-athletes
- The heartbreaking incident has sparked an outpouring of condolences from the sports community and the public
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The Ateneo de Manila University community is mourning the tragic loss of two members of its men’s basketball team following a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Source: Facebook
The victims were identified as Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, and Divine Adili, 21, both student-athletes of the Ateneo Blue Eagles. The incident occurred on the afternoon of June 8 and has left teammates, coaches, family members, and supporters grieving the sudden loss of two promising young athletes.
Baterbonia was widely regarded as one of the country’s rising basketball talents. He came from Ateneo de Davao and gained national recognition after being named Most Valuable Player at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa. His performances on the court had earned him praise from coaches and basketball observers who believed he had a bright future ahead.
Adili, meanwhile, was a Nigerian student-athlete who had already suited up for the Ateneo Blue Eagles during UAAP Season 88. Known for his athletic ability and dedication to the sport, he had become an important part of the team’s roster and was admired by teammates and members of the Ateneo community.
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Following the tragedy, Ateneo de Manila University released an official statement confirming the deaths of the two student-athletes.
“It is with profound sadness that Ateneo de Manila University confirms the passing of two student-athletes of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, following a drowning incident that occurred during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on the afternoon of June 8, 2026,” the university said.
“The entire Ateneo community mourns the loss of Rene and Divine. The University extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones. We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time.”
The university also assured the public that support is being extended to those affected by the tragedy.
“The University is providing support to the families of Rene and Divine, as well as to their teammates and members of the Ateneo community affected by this tragedy,” the statement continued.
Ateneo likewise requested privacy for the grieving families and all those impacted by the loss.
“We respectfully ask for privacy and space for all those grieving as they come to terms with this profound loss.”
The university concluded its statement by entrusting the two young athletes to God’s care and asking for continued prayers from the community.
“As a community, we mourn with the families and loved ones of Rene and Divine and entrust them to God’s loving mercy. We ask for continued prayers for all who are affected by this tragedy.”
Ateneo also announced that details regarding the wake and funeral arrangements will be shared once finalized in coordination with the families.
The heartbreaking news quickly spread across social media, with fellow athletes, alumni, students, and sports fans expressing their condolences. Many paid tribute to Baterbonia and Adili not only for their athletic accomplishments but also for the impact they made on those around them.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the local basketball community, which continues to rally around the families, teammates, and friends of the two athletes during this difficult period.
Aside from this tragedy, there have been other athletes recently who made headlines because of their untimely deaths.
Previously, the Memphis Grizzlies announced the passing of forward Brandon Clarke at the age of 29, leading to an outpouring of sorrow throughout the basketball world. The organization honored Clarke as both an exceptional player and an admirable person whose influence extended beyond basketball and into the Memphis community. His agency, Priority Sports, described him as a compassionate and supportive individual who positively impacted countless people throughout his journey from high school athletics to the NBA. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also paid tribute, remembering Clarke as a respected leader and cherished member of the Grizzlies family.
Earlier, the Philippine sports community mourned the loss of Mark Dave Nicolas, an 18-year-old standout athlete from Adamson University’s track and field program. Following his passing, the UAAP released a statement recognizing his contributions and extending sympathies to his loved ones and teammates. Nicolas had emerged as one of the country’s most promising young runners after breaking the Palarong Pambansa record in the 800-meter event and winning a silver medal for the Philippines at the ASEAN School Games. Fellow athletes and supporters continue to remember him as an outstanding middle-distance runner and a source of inspiration to aspiring young sportsmen.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
