By: Tyler Ward
The Memphis Commercial Appeal has reported that a body was found near the intersection of Hacks Cross and Winchester. His body was found in a wooded area reasonably close to the intersection. Wright had been missing since July 19 and reportedly, a 911 call was placed the night of Wright's disappearance. It is thought that Wright had a large amount of cash when he was last seen and the police suspect foul play.
Although he lives in Atlanta, Wright was visiting his ex-wife and six children in Memphis at her Collierville home. He was expected to drive back to Atlanta with his children and one of his friends. He never made it.
After not receiving a phone call from her father, Wright's eldest daughter apparently told her mother that she had not spoken to the ex-Grizzlies power forward. Wright's ex-wife, along with other family members, began to worry and filed a missing persons report last week. They suspected that he may have just left the country with no rhyme or reason, but after failed attempts to reach Wright, his family felt that he had not left, but just simply vanished without a trace.
Wright was last seen around 2 A.M., leaving his ex-wife's house. No one heard from him after his departure. Police are saying the investigation is ongoing and no further details have been released to the public.
The former Memphis Tigers star was chosen seventh overall in the 1996 draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. He spent three seasons in Los Angeles before being dealt to Atlanta. In 2001, he was traded again, but to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft day for Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Jamaal Tinsley. His last season was 2008-09, when he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He has career averages of 7.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for the Clippers, Hawks, Grizzlies, Kings, and Cavaliers.
Wright leaves behind his six children. His family has yet to give a statement on the matter and his funeral date hasn't been announced. Wright was 34.
This marks the second straight year that a sports star has been murdered in the state of Tennessee. Former Tennessee Titans Quarterback Steve McNair was murdered last July 4th.
