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Who was Jerome Kersey?
Jerome Kersey was a former NBA player who spent most of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was a fan favorite and a key member of the Blazers teams that reached the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992. He was known for his athleticism, hustle, and versatility as a small forward. He played for 17 seasons in the NBA, also suiting up for the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle SuperSonics, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks. He won an NBA championship with the Spurs in 1999. He retired in 2001 with career averages of 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. He was also a respected mentor and coach, working as an assistant for the Bucks in 2005 and a player development director for the Blazers until his death. He was 52 years old.
How did Jerome Kersey die?
According to the Oregon medical examiner, Jerome Kersey died of a pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot in his lung A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of an artery in the lung by a blood clot that usually originates from another part of the body, such as the leg. It can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, death The risk factors for developing a pulmonary embolism include surgery, injury, immobility, cancer, smoking, obesity, and genetic disorders It is not clear what triggered the blood clot in Kersey’s case, but he had undergone knee surgery a week before his death
What was the impact of Jerome Kersey’s death?
Jerome Kersey’s death shocked and saddened the NBA community, especially his former teammates, coaches, and fans. Many of them paid tribute to him on social media, recalling his passion, kindness, and generosity. Some of the notable figures who expressed their condolences included Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Buck Williams, Kevin Duckworth, Gregg Popovich, David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Damian Lillard. The Blazers also honored him with a moment of silence and a video tribute before their game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 22, 2015. They also wore patches with his initials and number 25 on their jerseys for the rest of the season. The Longwood University, where Kersey played college basketball, retired his number 54 jersey and named a scholarship fund after him.
Why is Jerome Kersey’s death important?
Jerome Kersey’s death is important because it reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of health. Pulmonary embolism is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or occupation. It is estimated that about 60,000 to 100,000 Americans die of pulmonary embolism each year, and many of them are unaware of the symptoms or the risk factors Therefore, it is vital to seek medical attention if one experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or leg swelling3 It is also advisable to prevent blood clots by staying active, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and following the doctor’s instructions after surgery or injury
Jerome Kersey’s death is also important because it highlights his legacy as a basketball player and a human being. He was a beloved and respected member of the NBA family, who inspired and influenced many people with his talent, work ethic, and character. He was a loyal and humble teammate, a fierce and fearless competitor, and a generous and compassionate friend. He was a role model and a mentor, who gave back to the community and helped the next generation of players. He was a champion and a legend, who left an indelible mark on the history and culture of the Blazers and the NBA. He was Jerome Kersey, and he will be dearly missed.
