A 6’5” guard-forward, who spent 12 seasons in the NBA world as a player, bid his goodbye to the world. On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks legend joined the stars up in the sky leaving his fans, including the Cleveland Browns’s owner, Jimmy Haslam, in pain. We are talking about the legendary Bucks’ owner, Junior Bridgeman.

The Bucks’ official X account informed the world about the tragic loss. In mourning, they wrote, “We are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman. We send our deepest condolences to his family.” Sharing the same, Browns and Jimmy Haslam too expressed their grief over the tragic loss.

Taking to the Browns’ official X account on behalf of everyone, Jimmy Haslam wrote, “The entire Haslam Sports Group family is saddened and heartbroken to hear about the passing of Milwaukee Bucks legend and owner, Junior Bridgeman. You will always be remembered as an amazing teammate and loyal friend. You will be missed and our thoughts are with the Bridgeman family.”

To the people who are unaware, in 2023, Jimmy Haslam and his wife, Dee, bought a stake in the Bucks. So, besides being friends, Haslam and Bridgeman were co-owners too. And so, the sudden unfortunate death of the NBA star left everyone in shock.

According to latest reports, Junior Bridgeman suffered a medical emergency at the Galt House Hotel on Tuesday. At that time, he was attending a fundraising event in Louisville. Everything was going great. Bridgeman was speaking to a reporter, when he suddenly complained about the feeling of a “heart attack.” Soon, the worst came true, as Jimmy Haslam’s friend collapsed and was rushed to hospital before being pronounced dead.

Apart from Browns‘ owner Jimmy Haslam, other sports and influential figures too joined the world in mourning. Mayor Craig Greenberg said that the city had “lost a kind, generous and groundbreaking legend…. I will most remember Junior Bridgeman for his quiet, impactful assistance to others in need” as well as his love for his family and his “never-ending support for our community.”

In his 10 seasons with Milwaukee, Junior Bridgeman finished with 9,892 points. Overall, he recorded 11,517 points, posting a career-high 17.6 points per game in 1979-80. Impressive, isn’t it? A self-made man, Junior Bridgeman was nothing short of impressive. To honor his legacy, The Courier Journal reported how “Junior’s retired No. 2 jersey hangs in Fiserv Forum.” The jersey serves “as a constant remembrance of his outstanding play on the court and his impact on the Bucks’ success. His hard work and perseverance led him to become one of the nation’s top business leaders and, last September, Junior’s professional life came full circle when he returned to the Bucks family as an owner.”

Fan tributes pour in for Jimmy Haslam’s late friend

The touching tribute shows how Junior Bridgeman was an inspiration for the community, and and his passing left fans deeply saddened. A fan expressed, “Rest in Peace Junior Bridgeman. Legends never die.” And this fan wasn’t the only to recall Bridgeman’s impact.

One fan talked about the late owner’s old days, saying, “Sympathy 🫂 and Condolences 💐 to his family, friends, and fans. Was a pretty good player with Marquis Johnson back in the day.” Another one too wrote about the legacy, “Sad loss! Bridgeman’s legacy shines, condolences to all.” Besides them, another user praised the personality and expressed their heartbreak, by saying, “We lose a big man :(.” Yet another one talked about the harsh reality: “It’s always the good ones.” The heartbreak of these fans could easily be seen in their mournful comments.

And it’s true, Junior Bridgeman will forever remain in our hearts. May the legend rest in peace.