Death of Former Carbondale Terrier Standout Basketball Player, T.J. Silas, Leaves Community in Shock

He has been hailed as a Carbondale legend by many!

October 10, 2026

This article was last updated by Anish on October 10, 2026

The Carbondale Community High School family is mourning the massive loss of T.J. Silas, a proud member of the class of 2001 and a standout athlete.

Silas, the Tampa, Florida, resident, has absolutely shocked his former teammates, coaches, and loved ones with his unexpected death.

From 1998 to 2001, Silas was a key part of the Carbondale Terrier boys’ basketball program.

He had immense dedication and passion for basketball, boasting a tremendous high school career with over 1,250 points scored.

T.J. Silas was undoubtedly one of the top players in his region, who also achieved multiple All-Conference and All-South Honors.

As a player and a member of a youth Basketball program, Silas truly embodied his sportsmanship, work ethic, confidence, and inspired everyone he could.

Off the court, too, his family, friends, and close ones loved him for his humor, kindness, and generosity.

“TJ Silas was a man that I met back in 03 when He worked for that youth program on the Eastside. This man gave me the nickname 75 Cent since I wasn’t 50 Cent. I literally just found out this man has passed away SMH. Don’t know how, honestly don’t know if I will ever know, but I’m numb inside and I’m getting off this app to process this,” wrote his old friend Quentin.

A Life Taken Too Early

Silas’ cousin, Mevett J Wooley, first broke the news of the demise, leaving countless people absolutely shattered.

She posted with a heavy heart, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my cousin and a lil brother, TJ. I can hardly believe you’re gone, and my heart aches as I reflect on all the memories we shared. You shared the books that inspired you, you uplifted others with your words and actions, and basketball was a passion we both loved. You even inspired me to take better care of myself. I am deeply grateful for the time we were given together.”

Since then, late Silas has received hundreds of tributes from almost every individual he knew and loved, as an athlete, friend, and family man.

To honor T.J. Silas, Raymond Wooley has initiated a candlelight and Balloon Release ceremony on Friday, October 10, at 6:00 PM.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• After graduating as a standout athlete from Carbondale High School, T.J. Silas attended Morehouse College.
• He also owned and served as CEO of Silas and Company LLC, and worked as an Insurance Claims Adjuster at GEICO.

• Check other Articles on

Anish Koirala has loved sports since he was a kid. He grew up playing basketball and soccer, and that passion stayed with him over the years. Today, Anish works as a writer and editor, sharing his knowledge and love for the game through articles and stories. He uses his playing experience to make his writing clear, thoughtful, and fun to read.

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