NBA Champion Elden Campbell Passes Away at 57 Following Fishing Accident
Elden Campbell.
Credit:
Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty
### Former NBA Champion Elden Campbell Dies at 57
The cause of death for former Los Angeles Laker Elden Campbell has been confirmed. He passed away at the age of 57 after suffering a medical emergency during a fishing trip on December 1.
Thomas Steinkamp, Broward County’s chief of investigative services, confirmed to PEOPLE that Campbell died “due to drowning.” The Broward County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident and ruled it an accident. Campbell’s family expressed confusion, stating that he “wasn’t sick” and they “don’t know what happened.”
On December 3, Campbell’s sister, Sandra, shared details about her brother’s final moments, saying he had just returned to shore when he suddenly collapsed. “It was all the sudden,” she remarked. “He wasn’t sick. He was out fishing.”
Sandra described Elden as a significant figure in their family, stating, “He was such a big pillar and a staple to our family. He’s going to be terribly missed.”
In a family statement, they found comfort in the notion that Campbell died doing what he loved most. They remembered him as “generous, funny, disciplined and kind, but could shut you down if required.” They also emphasized that he was “a man of God” who passed while enjoying a perfect day out fishing.
His death was first reported by the media on December 3, with acknowledgments from his alma mater, Clemson University, and the Detroit Pistons, where he played for two seasons. The Pistons expressed their sorrow in a statement, highlighting Campbell’s role in the team’s 2004 NBA Championship victory.
“The Detroit Pistons organization is deeply saddened and heartbroken by the news of Elden Campbell’s passing,” the team stated. They fondly recalled Campbell as a player who “patrolled the paint with strength and skill,” and a man whose warm personality endeared him to teammates and fans alike.
Magic Johnson, a legendary teammate, shared his condolences on social media, noting, “I loved throwing lobs to Elden because he could jump out the gym and had so much talent! Cookie and I are praying for his family and Lakers Nation as they mourn during this difficult time. Rest in peace Big E!”
Campbell is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and four children—Jay Lee, Jael, Ariel, and Aaron—as well as his siblings, including Sandra, Elwayne, and Charles Jr.
