SAD NEWS: Boston Celtics Teammates and Fans Shed Tears as Payton Pritchard and His Wife Mourn Heartbreaking Announcement
Boston, Massachusetts – A wave of sadness has swept through the Boston Celtics community following a heartbreaking announcement from guard Payton Pritchard and his wife Emma MacDonald.
In a deeply emotional message shared on social media earlier today, the couple revealed that they had experienced a tragic pregnancy loss, a deeply personal and painful moment that moved both teammates and fans to tears. “Our hearts are shattered. We were eagerly anticipating this new chapter, but fate had different plans,” Emma wrote, alongside a black-and-white photo of the couple holding a tiny baby blanket.
Pritchard, who recently married Emma in a beautiful ceremony in August 2024, has been known as a steady, hardworking presence on the Celtics roster. Off the court, he has often shared loving moments with Emma, a lifestyle influencer and YouTuber beloved by many fans.
Following the announcement, messages of support and condolences poured in from teammates including Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday. Head coach Joe Mazzulla offered words of compassion: “We are with Payton and Emma in this time of sorrow. They are family, and we are here for them.”
Fans quickly took to social media, using the hashtag #PrayersForThePritchards, expressing their grief and solidarity. Some left heartfelt messages outside TD Garden, while others sent gifts and letters to the team facility.
The Celtics organization held a private moment of silence before practice, and players wore black armbands during warm-ups in a quiet tribute to their teammate’s loss.
While the pain is immense, both Payton and Emma have shown courage in sharing their story. As the Celtics community comes together to support them, one thing is clear: they are not alone in their grief.