Fans and admirers of NBA legend Elden Campbell were met with tragic news as the cause of his untimely passing was announced. Campbell’s death was attributed to drowning, as confirmed by Thomas Steinkamp, head of investigative services for Broward County. On Thursday, December 4, Steinkamp shared with People magazine that the incident, which occurred on Monday, December 1, was deemed accidental. Campbell, who made a significant mark in the basketball world, was just 57 years old. The initial report was covered by TMZ.

In a heartfelt conversation with The New York Post on Wednesday, December 3, Campbell’s sister, Sandra, recounted the events leading to her brother’s death. She explained that he had been out fishing and collapsed shortly after returning to shore. Sandra emphasized the suddenness of the incident, adding that Campbell had not been experiencing any health issues prior to that day.

In a separate sorrowful note from the basketball community, former NBA player Rodney Rogers passed away at 54. A statement from his college alma mater, Wake Forest, confirmed that Rogers succumbed to natural causes related to a spinal injury he suffered in 2008. He leaves behind his wife, Faye Rogers, and three children, daughters Roddreka and Rydeiah.

“It was all the sudden,” she told the outlet, noting that her brother “wasn’t sick.”

Former NBA star Rodney Rogers has died at age 54. A news release from his college alma mater, Wake Forest, confirmed that Rogers died on Friday, November 21, of natural causes linked to a 2008 spinal injury. He is survived by his wife, Faye Rogers, and three children: daughters Roddreka and Rydeiah as well as […]

Sandra added that she did not want to speculate about the exact cause of the sports star’s death,  but the loss is felt by their entire family.

“He was such a big pillar and a staple to our family,” she said. “He’s going to be terribly missed.”

Campbell is survived by his wife, Rosemary, their four children, Jay Lee, Jael, Ariel and Aaron, his sister, Sandra, and brothers Elwayne and Charles Jr.

Following his death, Campbell’s family released an official statement addressing the news.

“Elden was a man of faith who trusted in his lord and savior Jesus Christ.  Husband, father, brother, cousin and friend,” the statement read. “He was a man to whom family meant everything — generous, funny, disciplined and kind, but could shut you down if required. A man of God, he passed doing what he loved; fishing out on the ocean, enjoying his idea of an ideal day.”

The longtime center played 15 seasons in the NBA spending most of his career alongside fellow Los Angeles Lakers stars Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.

Campbell originally played high school basketball at Morningside High School in Inglewood. In 1990, he was drafted by the Lakers out of Clemson University.

Clemson University reacted to Campbell’s death via a social media post earlier this week after it was first reported by the L.A. Times.

“We mourn the loss of Elden Campbell, our all-time leading scorer, All-American and three-time All-ACC player, who passed away at the age of 57,” the post read.

Gone too soon. Kobe Bryant died at the age of 41 on January 26, 2020, but left behind quite a legacy. The NBA star, as well as his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died in a fiery helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The Los Angeles County Sheriff confirmed there were nine people on board the helicopter that […]

Campbell’s former teammate Magic Johnson was among those to publicly pay tribute to the late NBA star, whose nickname was “Easy E” due to his style of play that looked effortless.

“I loved throwing lobs to Elden because he could jump out the gym and had so much talent!” Johnson, 66, wrote via X on Wednesday. “Cookie and I are praying for his family and Lakers Nation as they mourn during this difficult time. Rest in peace Big E!”

The Detroit Pistons, where Campbell played for two seasons, also released a statement commenting on the loss.

“The Detroit Pistons organization is deeply saddened and heartbroken by the news of Elden Campbell’s passing,” the statement read. “ A proud member of our 2004 NBA Championship team, Elden patrolled the paint with strength and skill, playing an important role during one of the most memorable chapters in franchise history.”

They continued, “Beyond his contributions on the court, Elden’s calm presence and warm personality made him beloved by teammates, fans, and the community alike.  Our hearts and prayers are with Elden’s family and friends during this difficult time.”