Norm Van Lier was a former Chicago Bulls guard and broadcaster who was known for his fiery play and defensive prowess. He was a three-time All-Star and a fan favorite in the Windy City. But on February 26, 2009, he was found dead in his apartment, just hours after his friend and fellow Bulls legend Johnny “Red” Kerr passed away. What was the cause of death of Norm Van Lier, and how did it affect the NBA community?
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A History of Heart Trouble
According to NBC Chicago, Norm Van Lier had a history of heart trouble and wore a pacemaker. He had recently changed his medication and told his friends he felt great. However, he did not show up for a pre-game broadcast on Wednesday night, which raised concerns among his colleagues. The next day, firefighters responded to a request for a well-being check and found him unresponsive in his home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office conducted an autopsy on Friday to determine his cause of death. The results revealed that he died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease, a condition that involves high blood pressure and damage to the heart and blood vessels. He also had coronary atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. These factors contributed to his cardiac arrest, which was the immediate cause of his death.
A Shocking Loss for the Bulls and the NBA
Norm Van Lier’s death came as a shock to the Bulls organization and the NBA community, especially since it coincided with the death of Johnny Kerr, who was the first coach of the Bulls and a longtime broadcaster. Kerr had been battling prostate cancer for several years and died at the age of 76. The Bulls honored both men with a moment of silence and a video tribute before their game against the Houston Rockets on Thursday night.
Many former and current players, coaches, and executives expressed their condolences and shared their memories of Norm Van Lier. He was remembered as a fierce competitor, a loyal teammate, a passionate commentator, and a generous mentor. He was also praised for his advocacy for social justice and his involvement in various charitable causes. He was survived by his daughter, son, and four grandchildren.
A Legacy That Lives On
Norm Van Lier was one of the greatest players in Bulls history and one of the best defensive guards in NBA history. He ranks third in franchise history in assists, fourth in steals, and ninth in points. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team or Second Team eight times, and led the league in assists in 1971. He was also a key member of the Bulls teams that reached the Western Conference Finals in 1974 and 1975, where they lost to the eventual champions, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Golden State Warriors, respectively.
Norm Van Lier’s number 2 jersey was retired by the Bulls in 1994, along with Jerry Sloan’s number 4. They were the backcourt duo that earned the nickname “The Rolls Royce Backcourt” for their smooth and powerful play. Van Lier’s number 12 jersey was also retired by his alma mater, Saint Francis University of Pennsylvania, where he was a standout point guard.
Norm Van Lier’s cause of death was a mystery that shook the NBA world, but his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of his fans, friends, and family. He was a legend who embodied the spirit of the Bulls and the city of Chicago. He was “Stormin’ Norman”, and he will never be forgotten.
