Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and former NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo passed away after battling brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, as shared on the NBA’s official Twitter account on September 30.
Dikembe Mutombo at the Forbes Media Centennial Celebration in New York City on September 19, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a heartfelt statement, praising Mutombo’s impact both on and off the court. “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” Silver said.
Dikembe Mutombo and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at the Beyond Sport United 2015 in Newark City on July 22, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Silver also highlighted the late athlete’s accomplishments as one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. “Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others,” the Commissioner added.
Silver spoke of Mutombo’s work as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador and his humanitarian efforts, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and across Africa. “I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people,” he noted.
Dikembe Mutombo poses with young Congolese basketball players in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on July 18, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Silver recalled, “He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep booming voice, and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.”
Dikembe Mutombo greets children at the New York Knicks’ “Read-To-Achieve” program at Rocco’s Restaurant in New York City on December 15, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
The NBA official concluded by extending his deepest condolences to Mutombo’s family, friends, and the global basketball community, emphasizing how deeply the late basketball star was loved.
Dikembe Mutombo waves to the crowd as he enters the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on October 10, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
“Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe’s big heart, and I will miss him dearly [sic],” Silver reflected.
In addition to his professional and humanitarian achievements, Mutombo was a devoted husband to Rose and a proud father of their three children: Jean Jacques, Carrie, and Ryan.
Dikembe and Rose Mutombo and their children, Ryan, Carrie, and Jean Jacques, posted on June 16, 2022 | Source: Instagram/dofficialmutombo
Mutombo often shared his affection for Rose on social media, with one notable post in June 2021 celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary. He wrote, “We have been through so much together; good times and bad. We cherish all that we share. Life has taken us on many journeys, but you have always been with me through it all. Love always ❤️🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 [sic].”
In addition to expressing his love for his wife publicly, Mutombo often shared their travels as a couple. In October 2022, he posted about their trip to Japan, writing, “Last week in Tokyo, Rose & I had a chance to go out and visited the Garden of the Imperial Palace.” This post would be his last with his wife.
As a father, Mutombo expressed his pride and joy in his children. In his Father’s Day post on Instagram in June 2022, he wrote, “Our children are our whole life and that causes a lot of admiration.”
Ryan, Dikembe, and Jean Jacques Mutombo posing outdoors, posted in June 2022 | Source: Instagram/dofficialmutombo
Mutombo also shared his heartfelt message to other fathers, “I wish you spend a nice day with them. Keep showing them the good way to follow by being a great father. Happy Father’s Day to dads everywhere.”
Amid his father’s passing, Ryan shared an emotional tribute on his now-private Instagram account. He described his father as his “hero,” not for his fame or success, but for his genuine care and compassion. “He remains the purest heart I have ever known,” Ryan said of his late dad.
Reflecting further, Ryan expressed how he saw his father, “At times, I thought of my dad as a super-human. The child in me would sigh to hear that this was never actually the case. My dad was a regular man who would stop at no lengths to honor the world, its people, and its creator. He loved others with every ounce of his being. That’s what made him so accessible. That’s what made him real.”
Mutombo’s dedication to family, faith, and community was a defining aspect of his life. On his 56th birthday in 2022, he shared a message of gratitude: “Dear Lord, I thank you for giving me the unique opportunity to be able to wish myself a happy birthday in good health and happiness. I pray for my family and friends that You will continue to grant me blessings of love and joy all my life. Amen. Happy birthday to me🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 [sic].”
Mutombo’s passing at 58 is a great loss to basketball and humanitarian work. He inspired many as the NBA’s Global Ambassador. His legacy of love, compassion, and family will continue to inspire future generations with the power of kindness.
