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Ben Simmons' cousin killed in hit-and-run

Ben Simmons was grieving the loss of a cousin less than 48 hours after celebrating being the 76ers' first overall pick in the NBA draft.

Ben Simmons was grieving the loss of a cousin less than 48 hours after celebrating being the 76ers' first overall pick in the NBA draft.

Zachary Simmons, 21, was struck and killed around 4:30 a.m. Saturday in a hit-and-run on a street in Hoboken, N.J., WCBS-TV in New York reported. The vehicle involved was a black Escalade.

The television station said Zachary Simmons was the first cousin of Ben Simmons.

On Saturday night, Ben Simmons tweeted: "Hearing the news this morning is a reminder to never forget the important things in life." He later tweeted, "Rest in peace Cuzzo. Much love Zachary Simmons."

Ben Simmons was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. However, his father, David Simmons, is from the Bronx, N.Y.

kpompey@phillynews.com

@PompeyOnSixers

www.philly.com/sixersblog