Dikembe Mutombo‘s family have appealed for donations to fund a memorial in honor of the NBA Hall of Famer after he lost his battle against brain cancer and died on September 30, at the age of 58.
An eight-time NBA All-Star, the 7ft 2in center notably starred for the Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks in career between 1991-2009 where hew as also voted as Defensive Player of the Year four times, going on to have his jersey retired by both sides.
But tragedy struck the Congolese-American after he died on Monday whilst surrounded by his family, following an unsuccessful fight against cancer upon being diagnosed with the disease in October 2022.
Known for his humanitarian efforts, especially in Africa where he invested a substantial portion of his $75m net worth, Mutombo‘s family have called for those who can donate to do so in order to fund his causes and charities he so powerfully backed.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and condolences we have received from people around the world,” a statement from the Mutombo family reed. “Following the passing of our beloved Dikembe.
“Dikembe was a servant of God, a wonderful husband, father, humanitarian, and athlete. He touched countless lives on and off the court with his generosity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others.
“Your kind words and condolences during the past two years, especially this past week, have brought us immense comfort during this difficult time.”
The statement added: “In the coming days we will be holding a very private service for family and then working together with the NBA to hold a larger event at a later date to celebrate Dikembe‘s extraordinary life and legacy.
“In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to the Dikembe Mutombo Memorial Fund which will benefit the causes and organizations that Dikembe dedicated his life to supporting.”
NBA reacts to Mutombo’s death
Mutombo was raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, not to be confused with the Republic of Congo, before moving to the United States at the age of 21 after being selected as the fourth overall pick of the 1991 NBA Draft.
Alongside the Nuggets and Hawks, in a career that saw him face both Michael Jordan and LeBron James, he also went on to star for the Philadelphia 76ers, Brookyln Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets before retiring from the sport in 2009.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, said. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA.
“Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
