It’s a sorrowful day for the basketball community. That’s because former Bucks star turned franchise’s minority owner, Junior Bridgeman has passed away at the age of 71. Well, the tragedy occurred on Tuesday after the legend suffered a sudden medical emergency during an event at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

Grabbing his chest during the fundraiser, Junior expressed that he was having a heart attack. Although he received medical help and was taken away in an ambulance, he took his final breath later in the day.

As expected, the entire NBA family was shaken up by the heartbreaking news. “We are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman. We send our deepest condolences to his family.” The Bucks wrote in a statement. Even league commissioner Adam Silver expressed his grief, “I am devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Junior Bridgeman.”

Silver continued, “We express our heartfelt condolences to Junior’s wife, Doris, their children, Eden, Justin and Ryan, the Bucks organization, and his many friends and admirers in the basketball community.” Of course, Bridgeman had a massive impact on Milwaukee basketball, not just as a player but also as a businessman.

Following his twelve-year career as a player, Junior had a full circle moment last year when he purchased a 10% stake in the Bucks organization at a $3.4 billion valuation. His retired Number 2 jersey even hangs in the rafters of Fiserv Forum. Sure enough, the hoop community was devastated by the news of the legend’s passing.

NBA World sends prayers to Junior Bridgeman’s family and Remembers his Impact as Bucks express sorrow during Pacers clash

Soon after the news of Junior’s sudden demise broke out, disheartened fans flooded social media with condolences for his family and “Rest in Peace” messages. Not only as a player, but fans also remembered his impact beyond the hardwood, as one wrote “Damn! Great businessman! R.I.P” while another said, “I didn’t follow his career, but this is the kind of man that should be celebrated. What an incredible role model for the local community. Prayers to his family, the Bucks organization and everyone this legend left behind.”

Apart from being a part owner of the Bucks, Bridgeman was also a successful entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio. As per Forbes, his net worth is estimated to be $1.4 billion. Although he made only $2.95 million in salary during his playing days, Junior built a massive food empire following his retirement, setting up over 450 restaurants across the nation. He also became a Coca-Cola bottle investor and purchased Ebony and Jet magazines.

Even LeBron James was left in awe of his business acumen, as he couldn’t stop praising him in a recent interview, “He didn’t waste his time just thinking about the game of basketball. You know he used the game of basketball to get to better places. He’s always had a business mindset and obviously you know he loved the game because he got to this point. But then he used all the resources, the outlets, the connections that he met along the way and used it to his advantage and he’s built an unbelievable portfolio.” Well, the praise is justified, as Bridgeman joined the ranks of legends like LBJ, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal in terms of net worth, despite not being as great a player as them. A true role model, indeed.

With the impact Junior had, one fan urged the Bucks to win tonight’s game against the Pacers in his honor, “RIP. Let’s win tonight for him.” And the on-air announcers also expressed their condolences during the game, “Junior Bridgeman passed away earlier today. It was a tough loss… Heavy hearts. A great Buck and he’s gone way too soon.” While he might be gone, Bridgeman’s legacy will live on forever. Prayers Up.