We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Eric Montross. His death has profoundly impacted his friends and family, leaving them devastated. In this post, we aim to provide you with all the information related to his passing.
What is Eric Montross’s Cause of Death?
Eric Montross passed away on December 17, 2023. He died in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, of cancer at the age of 52. Eric Montross’s departure has left a vacuum that cannot be replaced. He was a pillar due to his sincere and compassionate attitude.
A Look at The Impactful Legacy of Eric Montross
Eric Montross was an NBA basketball veteran and a member of the 1993 NCAA Championship-winning University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill Tar Heels team.
At seven feet tall, Montross was an imposing figure on the court. He was a McDonald’s All-American at Lawrence North High School and went on to play for the UNC Tar Heels in college, where he solidified his reputation as a hard-charging player.
Montross was a member of the team that won the NCAA Championship in 1993. He was selected to the first team of the ACC in 1993 and in his senior year was named to the John Wooden All-America team. He participated in 139 games throughout his college career, averaging 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest.
In 1992, Montross became well-known following a match versus Duke University. Against their opponents, the Tar Heels staged a thrilling last-second 75-73 comeback and the game’s most memorable picture included Montross shooting free throws with blood streaming from a cut beneath his eye.
Following his time in college, Montross participated in eight NBA seasons spending time with the Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics. He was one of the few “big men” or players taller than seven feet in the league.
Following his season-ending retirement in 2003, Montross provided color commentary for the Tar Heel Sports Network. Along with his work with the Pan American Health Organization, co-founding Vaccine Ambassadors and organizing the Eric Montross Father’s Day Basketball Camp to benefit the North Carolina Children’s Hospital.
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How Did Community Pay Tribute to Eric Montross?
Eric Montross’s untimely death has caused immense grief among his loved ones. Tributes to Eric Montross from friends and community members were shared on Twitter. Wes Durham tweeted, “Our family will be forever thankful for the long, warm friendship of Eric Montross. We will miss this special, gentle man.”
Our family will be forever thankful for the long, warm friendship of Eric Montross & #HeyWoody. Eric’s kindness toward my Dad in the late years of his career and beyond meant so much. 🙏🏻 to Laura and their family, but all we will miss this special, gentle man. pic.twitter.com/FjOHw5LZwm
— 𝐖𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐦 (@WesDurham) December 18, 2023
Carolina Basketball wrote, “With heavy hearts we bring you this update from the family of Eric Montross.”
With heavy hearts we bring you this update from the family of Eric Montross.
Rest in peace Big E.
🔗: https://t.co/EgOjPTSh2B pic.twitter.com/V3TgxZDWPm
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) December 18, 2023
Jay Bilas tweeted, “Heartbroken. Eric Montross was the nicest, kindest person one could ever know. A great player and champion, husband, father, friend and a truly wonderful, beautiful soul.”
Heartbroken. Eric Montross was the nicest, kindest person one could ever know. A great player and champion, husband, father, friend, and a truly wonderful, beautiful soul. RIP Eric Montross. https://t.co/fUhw41rQpp
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) December 18, 2023
Tar Heel wrote, “Just had a mental image of Dean Smith welcoming Eric Montross home in heaven and now I have tears again.”
Just had a mental image of Dean Smith welcoming Eric Montross home in heaven and now I have tears again🥺🩵😭 pic.twitter.com/ee0DzzbBa6
— Tar Heel 🐏🏀🩵 (@OregonTarheel) December 18, 2023
Virginia Men’s Basketball team tweeted, “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Eric Montross. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with the Montross family during this difficult time.”
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Eric Montross. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with the Montross family and @UNC_Basketball during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/0MGcPRhzdA
— Virginia Men’s Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) December 18, 2023
Cory Alexander wrote, “Always greeted #EricMontross with “Hey Little Fella!!” And he would return with “What’s up Big Guy?” even though he was a full foot taller than me… Praying for his family.”
Always greeted #EricMontross with “Hey Little Fella!!” And he would return with “What’s up Big Guy?” even though he was a full foot taller than me… It was our thing 😔… A Giant with an even bigger heart, gone too soon. Praying for his family and the @UNC_Basketball Family 🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Cory Alexander (@CoryAlexanderVA) December 18, 2023
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