Tragedy struck the Knicks yesterday when Amar’e Stoudemire’s older brother was killed in a car crash in Florida early yesterday morning, forcing the All-Star to take an indefinite leave of absence.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Hazell Stoudemire, 35, died at the scene after his 2007 Cadillac Escalade collided at a “high rate of speed” with the back of a tractor-trailer in Lake Wales, Fla., before 2 a.m.
Stoudemire flew to Florida yesterday morning and missed last night’s game against the Jazz. There was to be a moment of silence for Stoudemire’s brother before tip-off last night.
At the crash scene, a well-wisher left a white cross with the words “STAT (heart sign) love you.’’ STAT is one of Amar’e’s nicknames, an acronym for “Stand Tall and Talented.”
The Knicks play in Washington tomorrow, and Stoudemire is expected to miss that game as well.
Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said he doesn’t know when Stoudemire will be back, but the earliest would appear to be Friday, when the Lakers visit the Garden for their lone visit of the season.
“My thoughts and prayers are with him,’’ D’Antoni said before the game. “Whatever time he needs to take he’ll take. And then we’ll get him back as soon as possible.’’
“I know he was very close to his brother so my heart’s out for him. “I feel for Amar’e. It’s a hard time for him.’’
Happy Walters, Stoudemire’s agent, had no knowledge of funeral arrangements and said Stoudemire hasn’t decided when he will return to the Knicks.
Carmelo Anthony’s sister died last season of a pre-existing medical condition when he played for Denver and he left the club for eight days, missing five games.
Florida Highway Patrol told the Orlando Sentinel the elder Stoudemire was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Authorities are investigating and awaiting test results to find out if alcohol were a factor. Reportedly, Stoudemire’s brother had attended a Super Bowl Sunday party.
Hazell Stoudemire, who lived in Lakeland, Fla., was one of Amar’e’s four brothers. He has also three sisters. According to the Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement, Hazell was a registered sex offender, based on his 1999 conviction in Orange County, N.Y., for sexual abuse and sale of a controlled substance. State corrections records listed Amare’s brother at 6-foot-9 and 350 pounds.
“He cherishes his family and does a great job maintaining relationships,’’ D’Antoni said. “Like I said, it’s a trying moment.”
Jared Jefferies started in Stoudemire’s spot last night against the Jazz, along with new Garden folk hero Jeremy Lin, making his first career start at point guard.
The Knicks are especially thin in the frontcourt now as rookie Josh Harrellson is still out with a broken wrist and won’t be back until late February. D’Antoni said rookie center Jerome Jordan may have to get some minutes until Stoudemire returns.
“Our prayers and thoughts all go out to him and hopefully he’ll find comfort during this time,’’ Lin said.
Additional reporting by Bobby Wales in Lake Wales, Fla.