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Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević has tragically passed away after suffering a “medical emergency” during dinner at a Salt Lake City restaurant on Tuesday night.
He was 46 years old.
News of Milojević’s medical incident quickly spread on social media, with the coach suffering a severe heart attack, according to TMZ Sports.
“We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said in a statement. “This is a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and an incredibly difficult time for his family, friends, and all of us who had the incredible pleasure of working with him.
“Dejan was one of the most positive and beautiful human beings I have ever known, someone who brought joy and light to every single day with his passion and energy. We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa. Their loss is unfathomable.”
As a result of the incident, the NBA postponed Wednesday night’s game between the Warriors and Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.
We are absolutely devastated by Dejan Milojević's sudden passing.
This is a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and an incredibly difficult time for his family, friends, and all of us who had the incredible pleasure to work with him.
We grieve… pic.twitter.com/0wExlLlu5z
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 17, 2024
Milojević was a part of the Warriors’ 2022 championship coaching staff. Before coaching, Milojević went undrafted in the 1999 NBA Draft but found success in Europe. During his time in Europe, the Serbian power forward won ABA League MVP three straight seasons and the ABA scoring title in two consecutive seasons.
Milojević has found success as a mentor for big men in the league, with the most famous being two-time league MVP Nikola Jokic.
Our deepest condolences go out to Milojević’s family, friends, and team during this incredibly tragic and difficult time.
