Dikembe Mutombo, an honorary member of the NBA Hall of Fame, has passed away
30 september 2024 в 19:37
Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo, NBA Global Ambassador, Hall of Famer, and humanitarian, has passed away. He was 58 years old. The NBA announced this news, as well as the cause of his death, on Monday, September 30, through social media.
«The NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer», - the association wrote, adding, «He was surrounded by his family».
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement, calling Mutombo a «giant on the court» and «one of the greatest shot blockers and defenders in NBA history».
«Off the court, he gave his heart and soul, helping others», - Silver continued in his statement. «No one was more fitting than Dikembe to become the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa. I was fortunate to travel the world with Dikembe and see firsthand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always available at NBA events for many years — with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice, and his iconic finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation».
Silver concluded his tribute to Mutombo by writing, «On behalf of the entire NBA family, I extend deepest condolences to Dick’s wife, Rose, and their children; his many friends; and the global basketball community, which he truly loved and which loved him in return».
Mutombo first met his wife, Rose Mutombo, in the 1990s. They raised three children together and also adopted four children. The couple’s son, Ryan Mutombo, followed in his late father’s footsteps by joining the basketball team at Georgetown University. After three seasons at the university, Ryan transferred to Georgia Tech and currently plays for the team, as reported by The Guardian.
The news of Mutombo’s death came almost two years after he underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor. According to ESPN, the NBA reported that he began treatment in Atlanta in October 2022 and was in «great spirits» at that time
«The NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer», - the association wrote, adding, «He was surrounded by his family».
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement, calling Mutombo a «giant on the court» and «one of the greatest shot blockers and defenders in NBA history».
«Off the court, he gave his heart and soul, helping others», - Silver continued in his statement. «No one was more fitting than Dikembe to become the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa. I was fortunate to travel the world with Dikembe and see firsthand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always available at NBA events for many years — with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice, and his iconic finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation».
Silver concluded his tribute to Mutombo by writing, «On behalf of the entire NBA family, I extend deepest condolences to Dick’s wife, Rose, and their children; his many friends; and the global basketball community, which he truly loved and which loved him in return».
Mutombo first met his wife, Rose Mutombo, in the 1990s. They raised three children together and also adopted four children. The couple’s son, Ryan Mutombo, followed in his late father’s footsteps by joining the basketball team at Georgetown University. After three seasons at the university, Ryan transferred to Georgia Tech and currently plays for the team, as reported by The Guardian.
The news of Mutombo’s death came almost two years after he underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor. According to ESPN, the NBA reported that he began treatment in Atlanta in October 2022 and was in «great spirits» at that time
© Artemenko Olga
