By MAX WINTERS, US DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR
Published: 16:45 EST, 5 December 2025 | Updated: 16:53 EST, 5 December 2025
Audio of the 911 call made following the death of NBA legend Elden Campbell shows a man telling the operator he saw something washed up on a Florida beach that 'looks like a human body'.
The Los Angeles Lakers great tragically died at the age of 57 on Monday.
His sister, Sandra, initially told The New York Post that the former NBA champion had been out on the water but suffered some kind of medical emergency after making it back on to land.
However, in a fresh twist, Florida authorities ruled on Thursday that his cause of death was accidental drowning.
The harrowing 911 call, obtained by TMZ, shows a stunned onlooker initially confused about what he saw floating in the water.
But, after zooming in on the beach area with his camera, he said: 'It looks like a dead person on the floor.' Police then reportedly arrived on the scene at 8pm and found Campbell's body alongside a jet ski on the beach. He was pronounced dead at 8:03pm.
A man told a 911 operator that he saw Elden Campbell's body washed up on a Florida beach
Campbell leaves behind his wife, Rosemary, and four children, Jay Lee, Jael, Ariel and Aaron. He is also survived by his three siblings, Sandra, Elwayne and Charles Jr.
Campbell spent eight seasons with the Lakers during his 15-year NBA career, which also saw him play for the Detroit Pistons , Charlotte Hornets and New Jersey Nets.
The former center won his only NBA championship during his time in Detroit, which came in 2004 with a win over his former side, the Lakers.
Campbell, who played for Clemson University at college level, was drafted by the Lakers in the first round back in 1990 draft. He would go on to share the court with the likes of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant .
Eight years later, Campbell was traded - along with Eddie Jones - to the Hornets, where he would remain until 2003.
During his time in the NBA, Campbell carved out a lasting legacy and sits 34th in the all time rankings for blocks.
Across his 15-year career, Campbell played in 1,044 games and averaged 10.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.
The Lakers shared a picture of Campbell on their social media account on Wednesday, captioning the post: 'RIP Big Easy.'
The Los Angeles Lakers and NBA legend tragically died at the age of 57 on Monday
A family statement on his passing added: 'He was a man to whom family meant everything - generous, funny, disciplined and kind, but could shut you down if required.
'A man of God, he passed doing what he loved; fishing out on the ocean, enjoying his idea of an ideal day.'
Magic Johnson added on X: 'I just received devastating news that my former Lakers teammate and friend Elden Campbell has passed away.
'He was such a gentle soul. As a basketball player, he was extremely athletic. 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!'