Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic has died after suffering a medical emergency. He was 46.
The Warriors said Milojevic suffered a heart attack at a private team dinner.
"We are absolutely devastated by Dejan Milojevic's sudden passing," Warriors 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 to work with him.
"We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa. Their loss is unfathomable."
Milojevic was taken to a Utah hospital after suffering the heart attack and passed despite life-saving efforts.
"The NBA mourns the sudden passing of Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, a beloved colleague and dear friend to so many in the global basketball community," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.
"In addition to winning the 2022 NBA championship in his first season with the Warriors and mentoring some of the best players in the world, Dejan had a decorated international playing career and was a distinguished head coach in his native Serbia.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Natasa, their children, Nikola and Masa, and the Warriors organization during this tragic time."
The Warriors were in Utah in advance of their game against the Jazz. The NBA announced the postponement of the game, which will be rescheduled at a later date.
Milojevic, who played professionally overseas for 14 years, was named the Adriatic League Most Valuable Player three times (2004-06).
The Serbian was head coach of KK Buducnost in Montenegro (2021) and KK Mega Basket in Serbia (2012-20) before being hired as an assistant on Kerr's staff in Golden State in 2021.
Reuters
