Categories: Dearly Departed

Jerome Kersey, basketball great, dies at 52.

(Photo: Stephen Dunn, Getty Images) via The Statesman Journal

Jerome Kersey, the longtime NBA player known for his tenacious playing style and versatility, passed away in Tualatin, Oregon on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at the age of 52.

According to the state medical examiner, the cause of death was a blood clot that moved from his left leg to his lung. Kersey had recently undergone knee surgery. It is not known if the clot was attributable to the surgery. He is survived by his wive, Teri, and four children.

“Today we lost an incredible person and one of the most beloved players to ever wear a Trail Blazers uniform,” Blazers owner Paul Allen said in a statement. “My thoughts and condolences are with the Kersey family. He will be missed by all of us. It’s a terrible loss.”

Read the full story: Former Blazer Jerome Kersey dies at 52

Kersey, who was originally from Virginia, was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1984. He was with the Blazers until 1995. From 1995-2001 he spent time with a number of teams including the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle SuperSonics, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks. He won an NBA championship during his time with San Antonio. He retired in 2001 and went on to coach for several teams. He also worked in the banking and automotive industries.

Jerome Kersey was highly regarded in the basketball world and in the Portland community. Immediately upon his death tributes poured in from former teammates, competitors, and sports legends.

Read more about Jerome Kersey’s life and death

Share

Recent Posts

What’s It Like to Autopsy Marilyn Monroe?

The most famous coroner on earth may well be Dr. Thomas Tsunetomi Noguchi, who was…

5 months ago

Day of the Dead Takes on the World

The day after Halloween, and the day after that, is Day of the Dead, and…

6 months ago

Grieving for the Terrible Tragedy on Maui

Following on his recent posts regarding deaths by extreme heat, Justin Nobel shares his thoughts…

9 months ago

Death by Extreme Heat is a 21st Century Death

Few parts of the country have been spared from July's soaring temperatures. In fact, July…

9 months ago

Could tiny-brained humans have actually dug graves half a million years ago?

Deep inside a South African cave called Rising Star, scientists have made an incredible discovery—a…

11 months ago

Welcome to A Pacific Island Nation with 125 million people—and almost no gun deaths

Last week, in Nakano City, Japan, an evacuation center was opened in the gymnasium of…

11 months ago