The Milwaukee Bucks are mourning the loss of one of the team's owners and longtime NBA player. Junior Bridgeman is dead at the age of 71 years old.
The cause of death has not been revealed for Bridgeman, but WLKY Kentucky reported that the former NBA player believed he was having a heart attack while the outlet was interviewing the Bucks owner.
"WLKY's Kent Taylor was interviewing him as part of the program in front of hundreds of attendees when Bridgeman expressed that he thought he was having a heart attack," WLKY detailed on Tuesday.
"People immediately jumped into action to help, and when emergency medical services arrived, he was taken away in an ambulance."
Bridgeman played 12 years in the NBA, spending 10 seasons with the Bucks. The wing averaged 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game during his NBA career. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers is among those who reacted the tragedy.
We are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman. We send our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/XakoTcDeF5
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 11, 2025
"Just really a dark day, a tough day, losing Junior," Rivers said on Tuesday, per USA Today. "I've known Junior for probably, what am I, 60? I've known him since I was in college (at Marquette). He was one of the guys, him and Quinn Buckner, that would call me at Marquette to get me to go play with the Bucks of all places.
"When you think about Junior's life, you know, I keep thinking about LeBron (James) and Magic (Johnson) and how influential they are to our league – and they are – and what they've done off the court is amazing. But the role model we should have is Junior Bridgeman when you think about it."
Shaq reflects on the passing of his friend, @Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman pic.twitter.com/YiDzQhqR4R
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 11, 2025
Bridgeman had a 10% ownership stake in the Bucks, per the Associated Press. Magic Johnson posted a lengthy message about Bridgeman on X.
"Tough day. Just really a tough day."
Doc Rivers on the passing of Junior Bridgeman. pic.twitter.com/byDXWevkOT
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 11, 2025
"I'm saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Junior Bridgeman," Johnson remarked on Tuesday. "I had the privilege of playing against him, and I'll never forget how he had one of the sweetest jump shots in the NBA.
"But it was his character, his kindness, and his gentle soul that truly left a lasting impression on me. He was one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet."
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This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 10:17 AM.