Retired NBA champ Elden Campbell’s cause of death revealed
Retired NBA champion and former Los Angeles Laker Elden Campbell died in an accidental drowning, Florida authorities ruled.
The 6-foot-11 athlete, 57, was pronounced dead at 8:03 p.m. Monday, TMZ first reported, citing the state medical examiner.
His death was “due to drowning,” Thomas Steinkamp, chief of Broward County Investigative Services, confirmed to People. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office ruled his death accidental.
Although authorities did not detail the circumstances, Campbell’s sister, Sandra Campbell, said her healthy brother inexplicably collapsed during a day of fishing, leaving her loved ones blinded.
“Elden was a man of faith who trusted in his lord and savior Jesus Christ,” his family said in a statement released by the NBA. “Husband, father, brother, cousin and friend. He was a man to whom family meant everything – generous, funny, disciplined and kind, but who could shut you up when necessary. A man of God, he died doing what he loved: fishing on the ocean, enjoying his idea of an ideal day.”
The world learned of the acclaimed athlete’s death in tributes posted Wednesday by the many sports organizations and former teammates Campbell played with during his 15-year NBA career. His alma mater Clemson University, where he was the all-time leading scorer, shared a brief but poignant Instagram post.
The Detroit Pistons, with whom he won an NBA title in 2004, said the organization was “deeply saddened and heartbroken” by the news.
“Elden patrolled the paint with strength and skill, playing an important role during one of the most memorable chapters in franchise history,” the Pistons said in the NBA release. “Beyond his contributions on the field, Elden’s calm presence and warm personality have endeared him to teammates, fans and the community.”
Campbell spent most of his career with the LA Lakers, playing nine seasons with the team, including one alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant in 1996-97.
With news feed services
