The Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday that former Northwestern basketball star Jitim Young’s mother, Sanabria Young, died early Saturday after being hit by a postal truck.

Sanabria Young, 49, was leaving her job at the Cardiss Collins Post Office, 433 W. Harrison St., when she was hit. She became a post office employee at age 17 shortly after having her first child. She continued working long hours to support her four children and put them through school.

Sanabria Young’s mother, Ruthie Young, played a large role in helping raise her grandchildren, on the West Side of Chicago when Sanabria was at work.

Because Sanabria Youngworked the night shift at the post office, she rarely had the opportunity to see Jitim Young play in person.

The All-Big Ten basketball guard wore No. 25 at NU so his mother could recognize him when she watched the games at work.

After graduating from NU last year, Jitim went on to play professional basketball in Europe and is working out with the Chicago Bulls this week.

– Staff Reports