Ex Taiwanese Basketballer James Mao Lost His Best Friend, The Late Godfrey Gao, & Baby Daughter In The Span Of 2 Years

They say when you go through tragedy, you can either let that destroy you, or you can let it make you stronger.

No one can attest to that more than former Taiwanese basketball player James Mao, 39, who has shown utmost strength in the face of adversity.

With his best pal Godfrey Gao (right)

In 2019, James' best friend Godfrey Gao, then just 35, died from a heart attack while filming Chinese variety show Chase Me in China.

James and Godfrey were closer than brothers and when James heard of his friend's passing, he said he "just held onto [his] phone and broke down."

Godfrey was also set to be one of James' groomsmen for his wedding to stylist Tiffany Lo. Sadly, his death came just two days before the wedding.

James would go on to say that he felt lost at his wedding without his best friend and the bridal party would leave an empty spot for Godfrey in their photos.

According to Taiwanese media CTWANT, James revealed that he often dreamt of Godfrey during that period.

"I was either lying in bed or getting myself drunk. I wasn't doing anything at all", James said.

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  James with wife Tiffany (left), James with his late daughter

  But that was not the end of his nightmare.

  In 2019, James and Tiffany welcomed their first kid, a boy, whom they named Noah Godfrey after the late star.
  
  Two years later, in November 2021, Tiffany had their daughter, Chloe. Unfortunately, Chloe, who was born prematurely at six months, died four days later. The day Chloe passed away was also James' birthday.
  
  A heartbroken James later said he buried himself in work while grieving for his late daughter so he "wouldn't have to think too much".

  James' heartbreaking letter to Chloe.

James with his son Noah Godfrey

Thankfully, James managed to pull through the grief and he came to learn that what's most important is for people to take good care of themselves when they are alive.

He also made sure to visit Godfrey's parents from time to time.

"If Daddy Gao wishes to sing, we would sing with him. If Mummy Gao wants to play mahjong, we would play together", said James.

Photos: James Mao/ Instagram