Home / Sports / NBA Champ Elden Campbell Died of Accidental Drowning
NBA Champ Elden Campbell Died of Accidental Drowning
5 Dec
Summary
- NBA champion Elden Campbell died at age 57 on December 1.
- Medical examiner confirmed his death was due to accidental drowning.
- Campbell suffered a medical emergency during a fishing outing.

NBA champion Elden Campbell's cause of death has been officially determined as accidental drowning, according to reports released on December 5, 2025. The 57-year-old former Los Angeles Laker experienced a medical emergency while out on a fishing excursion on December 1, which tragically led to his passing.
Campbell, who played alongside stars like Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, was a significant figure on the court, notably as part of the 2004 NBA Championship team. His family noted that he was not known to be ill and expressed their grief, finding solace that he died doing an activity he cherished.
His passing was mourned by his former teams, including the Detroit Pistons, and former teammates like Magic Johnson, who shared fond memories of Campbell's talent and personality. Campbell is survived by his wife, four children, and siblings.




