Nick Van Exel's son, Nickey Van Exel, was arrested Thursday and charged with capital murder. According to the 20-year-old's attorney, the younger Van Exel and friend Bradley Bassey Eyo were engaging in "horseplay" with a shotgun in a Garland, Texas home. The pair reportedly didn't realize the weapon was loaded; it fired, killing Eyo. The younger Van Exel panicked and moved the body to nearby Lake Ray Hubbard.
The elder Van Exel played 13 seasons in the NBA for six teams, most notably his first five years with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Atlanta Hawks brought him on as their player development instructor in early September, where he's been assisting with the team's young talent.
Nickey Van Exel reportedly took responsibility when confronted by police, but insisted the incident was an accident. He's being held on $1 million bond and was charged with one count of capital murder.
The gun belonged to the younger Van Exel's stepfather, not his father.
Nick Van Exel was described by the family's attorney as "deeply saddened," as "Bradley was like part of the family," according to the AP report.