Chris "Flash" Richardson, a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, died in his sleep Wednesday while on tour in Japan, an official with the team said Thursday. He was 28.

Although the cause of death was not yet confirmed, Richardson likely died of natural causes, said Globetrotters spokesman Brett Meister.

The players were at a U.S. military base in Sasebo, Japan, as part of an annual holiday tour. The Globetrotters are in their 83rd consecutive season of touring the world.

Meister said the organization was still in shock over Richardson's death.

A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, the 6-foot-7 Richardson played at UNLV and joined the Globetrotters shortly after his college career ended.

Richardson was known for his dunking skills and a genial disposition, according to Meister.

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