Florida’s medical examiner revealed that Elden Campbell’s cause of death was accidental drowning.
The 5-7-year-old former Los Angeles Lakers center was declared dead Dec. 1 at 8:03 p.m., TMZ reported, citing the medical examiner based in Florida. No further information about the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident was publicly disclosed.
“Elden was a man of faith who trusted in his lord and savior Jesus Christ. Husband, father, brother, cousin and friend,” his family said in a statement.
20 Nov 2000: Elden Campbell #5 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Hornets defeated the Raptors 100-64. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Robert Skeoch /Allsport
Their statement continued, “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.”
9 Dec 2001: This is a portrait of forward Elden Campbell of the Charlotte Hornets, taken during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers defeated the Hornets 89-78. Mandatory Credit: Robert Laberge / Getty Images
His former teammates were the first to announce his passing, according to TMZ.
Campbell played eight-and-a-half seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and had an NBA career spanning 15 years. He went on to get a championship ring in 2004 with the Detroit Pistons.
The beloved athlete also played for the Charlotte Hornets and New Jersey Nets and was on the court with the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
Campbell left behind a legacy in the NBA, coming in 37th in the all time rankings for blocks. (RELATED: Former NBA Champion Elden Campbell Dead At 57)
He is survived by his wife and four children, along with three siblings.
