After Barrs collapsed on the court, it was later uncovered that he suffered from an enlarged heart. Westbrook has kept his memory alive ever since, also wearing a personalized “RIP KB3” wristband throughout his career.

How did Khelcey Barrs III die?

The tragic death of Khelcey Barrs One afternoon, Barrs collapsed during a pickup game at L.A. Southwest College. He was rushed to Centinela Hospital Medical Center and pronounced dead; unbeknownst to everyone, the teenager had a fatally enlarged heart. Understandably, the loss of Barrs rocked Westbrook’s world.

Why did Khelcey Barrs die?

Khelcey Barrs was one of Russell Westbrook’s best friends, as well as his teammate in high school. During a basketball game, young Khelcey suffered a deadly heart attack. After Barrs’ death, Russell Westbrook often went over to grandma Barrs’ house and took over his friends’ chores until he went off to UCLA.