Chyna Thomas, sister of NBA star Isaiah Thomas, dies in Federal Way car crash

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. -- NBA star and Tacoma native Isaiah Thomas' sister died in a one-car accident in Federal Way Saturday morning, according to the Washington State Patrol

WSP said Saturday that 22-year-old Chyna J. Thomas died at the scene on Interstate 5 in Federal Way after an accident about 5 a.m.

“The witnesses observed the silver vehicle in the left lane just suddenly drift toward the left shoulder, leaving the roadway, said Washington State Patrol Trooper Nick King.

“Unfortunately at that point, (she) drove along a cement railing, a Jersey barrier which vaulted the vehicle up in the air, made it become airborne, and it struck a raised sign structure.”

Troopers believe Thomas may have fallen asleep behind the wheel. The police report said she wasn't wearing a seat belt. There were no signs of impairment.

Isaiah Thomas is a high-scoring guard for the Boston Celtics. From Tacoma, he played at Curtis High School and the University of Washington.

"We are terribly saddened by the tragic loss of Chyna Thomas," the Celtics said in a statement. "The thoughts and prayers of the entire Celtics organization are with Isaiah and his family."

The accident remains under investigation.