MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ The mother of Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns has died due to complications from COVID-19.

Jacqueline Cruz-Towns had been fighting the virus for more than a month.

The Towns family issued a statement describing her as ``an incredible source of strength'' and ``a fiery, caring, and extremely loving person who touched everyone she met.''

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The native of the Dominican Republic was a fixture at Timberwolves games from the start of her son's NBA career in 2015.

Karl Towns Sr., the father of the two-time All-Star, was also hospitalized with the virus but has since recovered.

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