Carmelo Anthony's sister, Michelle Anthony, dies; Carmelo to rejoin Nuggets after Christmas

Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony's sister, Michelle Anthony, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 21, due to a pre-existing condition in Baltimore, reports the Chicago Independent Press. Anthony has left the NBA team to be with his family and will not be rejoining the team until after Christmas. Michelle leaves behind four children.

Masai Ujiri, the Nuggets executive vice president of basketball operations, says, "Our entire organization supports Carmelo during this difficult time for him and his family. It is heartbreaking news, particularly during the holiday season."

Anthony's head coach George Karl says the news "brings us down to earth," and reminded his organization that there are more important things than basketball. The small forward has been sidelined with an elbow injury and has not practiced with the team.