Jason Collins, the NBA’s first active, openly gay player, has passed away from brain cancer.

Collins, who served as a global ambassador for the sport for the past decade, told ESPN in November that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma. According to the outlet, he received experimental treatments in Singapore this past winter that were not yet authorized in the United States.

Collins’ cancer returned recently, and he died peacefully at his Los Angeles home surrounded by his family. His family released a statement through the NBA: “We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma.”

“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses,” the statement continued. “Our family will miss him dearly.”

Collins retired in 2014 after a 13-year career that included stops with the New Jersey Nets, Memphis, Minnesota, Atlanta, Boston, Washington and a return to the Nets after they moved to Brooklyn. He announced he was gay in a 2013 Sports Illustrated cover story, becoming the first publicly gay athlete to play in any of the four main North American sports leagues.

“When I chose to come out, there was no scandal or anything,” Collins told ESPN in November. “This was like, I feel that I am good enough to play in the NBA and by the way, I’m gay. Just so everyone knows cards on the table, this is where I am.”

Collins played 22 games for the Nets during the 2013-14 season alongside teammates Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson. He had previously played with Jason Kidd on the New Jersey Nets team that made the NBA Finals in 2002-03.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Collins’ legacy: “Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.”

Jason Kidd also shared his tribute: “This one hurts. Jason Collins was a pioneer. He had courage like you’ve never seen. He was an incredible teammate… Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend.”

Collins wrote about his decision to come out after hearing his former Stanford University roommate, Joe Kennedy—a Congressman from Massachusetts—marched in a Pride parade. “I’m seldom jealous of others, but hearing what Joe had done filled me with envy,” Collins stated. “I was proud of him for participating but angry that as a closeted gay man I couldn’t even cheer my straight friend on as a spectator.”

Collins received widespread support despite challenges. He took a phone call from President Barack Obama and was invited to attend the 2014 State of the Union address as a guest of First Lady Michelle Obama, becoming the first openly gay athlete to do so. He was appointed to serve on the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. While some reactions were critical, figures like Kobe Bryant publicly supported him, stating: “Proud of @jasoncollins34.”