Tiana Mangakahia passed away on Sept. 11, 2025, at the age of 30 after a prolonged fight with breast cancer. She was first diagnosed in 2019 during her college basketball career at Syracuse. Following her recovery, she made a remarkable return to the court and continued to inspire with her resilience.
In 2023, her condition worsened as the cancer spread, which ultimately forced her to step away from professional basketball. Earlier in 2025, she attempted a return with the Southern Districts Spartans in Australia’s NBL1 North.
However, her health declined significantly in the months that followed. Just days before her passing, she acknowledged the rapid deterioration of her condition. Her family confirmed that she died surrounded by loved ones.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful Tiana Mangakahia. She left us on 11/09/2025, surrounded by family, friends and lots of love,” her family wrote in an Instagram POST.
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The basketball community in both Australia and the United States has been deeply affected by the news. Fans, teammates, and organizations have remembered her for her leadership, strength, and determination in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Her story has left a lasting mark beyond the court, inspiring many who followed her journey through both her athletic success and her courageous health battle.
Tiana Mangakahia Had Posted a Health Update Earlier This Month
Mangakahia’s courage through these hardships can’t be praised enough. She was a warrior who continued to put a smile on her face despite the medical challenges she was going through. Even during her last days, she showed immense courage, giving fans an update on her health.
On Sept. 4, she posted a message on her Instagram, informing people that her cancer had progressed.
“Over the last 5 days my health has taken a negative turn. The cancer has progressed, it’s now affecting me in ways that are hard to put into words. I’m experiencing significant physical decline,” Mangakahia wrote in her MESSAGE.
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She went on to say that she was taking things one day at a time and focusing on spending more time with her family and close friends. Even in such a difficult time, she assured people that she would continue to be herself.
It’s hard to imagine how difficult it must’ve been for her and her family.
Rest in peace, Tiana Mangakahia.
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