NBA Warriors Coach Dejan Milojević Cause Of Death Revealed
By Afouda Bamidele on January 17, 2024 at 6:13 PM EST
Dejan Milojević, assistant coach of the Golden State Warriors, has tragically passed away at 46 after suffering a medical emergency.
Golden State Warriors Dejan Milojević Passes Away At 46 Years Old
Milojević was at the dinner in Salt Lake City on Tuesday night when the incident happened. The Warriors' social media page confirmed the event via a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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Milojević reportedly suffered a "massive heart attack" while at a team dinner in Salt Lake City, Utah.
"Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević (DAY-hahn mi-lo-yo-vihch) was hospitalized last night in Salt Lake City, Utah, after suffering a medical emergency at a private team dinner. An update on Milojević’s status will be provided as appropriate," the statement read.
Following the statement, the NBA announced that the Warriors' game against the Utah Jazz set for Wednesday night was postponed in light of their assistant coach's health troubles.
Unfortunately, Milojević, who has been a part of the coaching staff for three seasons, didn't make it as he passed on Wednesday. Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr delivered the devastating news via a statement, explaining that life-saving efforts were not enough to keep the late assistant coach.
"We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’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."
Kerr continued, "In addition to being a terrific basketball coach, 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."
Dejan Milojević update: pic.twitter.com/bUKQGC3MHf
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) January 17, 2024
Milojević, a Belgrade native, was part of the coaching team when the Warriors — where Stephen Curry has played for 14 years — snagged the 2022 NBA Championship title. Before joining the San Francisco basketball team, he was the head coach of KK Mega Basket in Serbia and served as the assistant coach for the Serbia national team.
He also served in the NBA Summer League with the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets. Prior to becoming a coach, Milojević had a thriving career as a basketballer with a 14-year International playing career. During that time, he earned the title of the Adriatic League Most Valuable Player.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also issued an emotional statement following Milojević's passing. "The NBA mourns the sudden passing of Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojević, a beloved colleague and dear friend to many in the global basketball community," Silver began.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević: pic.twitter.com/Ft6akrEZHr
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 17, 2024
He added, "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."
RIP