NBA star RJ Barrett's younger brother Nathan 'had been taken ill weeks before his tragic death at 19'... as Toronto Raptors guard remains away from the court to be with his family

RJ Barrett's younger brother Nathan 'fell ill and had been at home for several weeks' before his shock death at the age of 19, according to a new report.

No cause of death has yet been revealed for the teenager, who was training to be a pilot alongside his amateur basketball career.

RJ - four years his senior - has been away from the Toronto Raptors for 'personal reasons' since Wednesday as he and his family continue to grieve.

According to Sportsnet's Michael Grange, Nathan 'fell ill' weeks before his death and had been at home with his family before his death on Tuesday.

In a statement shared by the Toronto Raptors and Canada Basketball on behalf of the Barrett family, it was revealed that Nathan died 'surrounded by his family, church and friends.'

Nathan Barrett (R, pictured alongside his NBA star brother RJ) was ill weeks before his death 

Former coach Chris Stewart wrote a heartfelt tribute to Nathan on Instagram after his death 

NBA star RJ played on Monday in the Raptors' loss to the Denver Nuggets, but has since missed games against the Pistons and Magic, and is expected to also be away for another game against Orlando on Sunday.

There is no timeline for his return as his family continues to grieve their tragic loss. 

News of Nathan's death first broke online on Thursday when his former youth coach Chris Stewart paid an emotional tribute.

Stewart coached both RJ and Nathan Barrett in the Mississauga Monarchs in their native Canada.

Barrett is expected to miss his fourth straight game tonight as his family continues to grieve

Barrett played on Monday, just a day before his 19-year-old younger brother Nathan died

'On March 12, my extended Monarch's family lost another member, Nathan Barrett,' Stewart wrote on Instagram. 'It's hard to believe this is the second time this has happened to my family and basketball community. 

'Nathan was only with us for a short time in Grade 7 before he moved to Florida, but whenever he was back in Mississauga, the boys connected.

'I saw Nathan last summer, all grown up, a big smile and he was excited telling me how he was starting school to become a pilot. I always tell my former players if you were on my team even one season, you will always be my family and don't forget it. 

'If you have had the pleasure of knowing this family you know how much they do for the basketball community so keep them in your thoughts and prayers. No parent should ever have to bury a child, hug your kids today a little longer. You will be missed Nathan, RIP.'