Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojvevic, aged 46, has tragically passed away following a heart attack, as confirmed by the NBA team.
The Serbian coach fell ill during a private team dinner in Salt Lake City on Tuesday and was swiftly taken to the hospital, where, despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to the heart attack on Wednesday morning.
Head coach Steve Kerr expressed profound sorrow, describing Milojvevic as someone who brought joy and light to each day with his passion. Kerr called the news a “shocking and tragic blow,” remembering Milojvevic as one of the most positive and beautiful human beings he had ever known. The Warriors grieve with Milojvevic’s wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa.
In a statement on social media, the Warriors conveyed their devastation at the sudden loss of Milojvevic. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also paid tribute, recognizing him as a beloved colleague and dear friend within the global basketball community.
Milojvevic, a former professional player, joined the Golden State Warriors in 2021 and contributed to the coaching staff that led the team to the NBA championship in 2022. Born in Belgrade, he had a notable 14-year career with the Serbian international team and later became the assistant coach of the national side in December 2019.
Before his move to the United States with the Warriors three years ago, Milojvevic served as the head coach of KK Buducnost in the Adriatic League in Montenegro. The Warriors’ scheduled game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday was postponed by the NBA following the news of Milojvevic’s medical emergency.
Reported By BBC Sports
