Former NBA player and destroyer of backboards Darryl Dawkins has passed away at the age of 58, according to multiple reports.
Pennsylvania news station WFMZ first brought word of Dawkins’ death (h/t Deadspin). TMZ has since come out with additional information:
NBA legend Darryl Dawkins — nicknamed “Chocolate Thunder” for his monster dunks — has died at the age of 58 … TMZ Sports has confirmed.
Officials tell us … a family member called 911 to respond to a medical emergency this morning — and Dawkins was transported to a nearby hospital.
Unfortunately, Dawkins was not able to recover and was pronounced dead at 11:19 AM. The nature of the medical emergency is unclear at this point.
We’re told there was nothing suspicious about his death and no indication of foul play.
An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.
Dawkins last played in the NBA during the 1988-89 season. His career spanned 14 seasons and saw him play for four different teams: The Philadelphia 76ers, who drafted him fifth overall in 1975; the New Jersey Nets; the Utah Jazz; and the Detroit Pistons.
Though Dawkins was never selected to an All-Star team, he dunked his way into the hearts of fans, breaking backboards and ruthlessly razing rims.
All we can do now is keep his family in our thoughts while remembering the good times—as in his crazy-sweet dunks:
R.I.P Darryl.
