Jerome Kersey, a veteran power forward who played 17 seasons in the NBA and won a title in 1999 with the San Antonio Spurs, died yesterday at Legacy Meridian Medical Center in Tualatin.
He was 52 years old.
The cause of death is unknown at this time, but Kersey was believed to be in fine health.
On Tuesday evening, Kersey made an appearance on behalf of the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison High School, where he spoke with ex-teammates Terry Porter and Brian Grant about Black History Month.
"Today we lost an incredible person and one of the most beloved players to ever wear a Trail Blazers uniform," team 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."
A second round draft pick in 1984, Kersey started on the Portland teams that went to the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992. He played 11 seasons overall in Portland and retired in 2001.
CNNSW reports that Kersey told coworkers on Wednesday afternoon that he didn't feel well and was going home, before "collaps[ing] on the way to his car."
"It is so sad," Clyde Drexler told Comcast Sports Northwest upon learning the news.
"It is a huge loss for the Portland community. He was the greatest guy, the nicest friend, teammate and brother. He was loved by everyone. We will all miss him. He just cared so much. This is unbelievable."
ESPN's Stuart Scott (1965-2015) will forever be missed. The beloved anchor and personality passed away after a long battle with cancer in January at the age of 49.
