Former Celtics icon and 11-time NBA player Bill Russell has sadly passed away. Several tweets from multiple sources have confirmed the death of the professional sports team’s first black head coach in North America.

The former center with the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association, Bill played from 1956 to 1969. The news of his sudden demise has saddened all of his fans and followers.

The NBA player had a history of illness in the past, and he was vocal about his health issues.

Four years back, he was hospitalized and was diagnosed with dehydration At the time, TMZ reported that he was experiencing heart trouble and shortness of breath.

What Happened to Bill Russell?

The NBA great and Celtics legend Bill Russell has died at the age of 88. His family released a statement online confirming the news of his demise to his fans and followers.

The post reads that he took his last breath at the side of his wife Jeannine. Followingly, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called him one of the greatest champions in the sports world.

The statement also mentioned that apart from the game, he valued equality, respect, and inclusion which he has stamped into the team. Followingly, they also wrote that Bill advocated vigorously for civil rights and social justice which will be passed down as a legacy to the NBA players.

Back in 1980, Russell became the most outstanding player in NBA history with the vote of basketball writers. Russell will always remain the most prolific winner and an archetype of selflessness.How Long Was Bill Russell Sick?

Bill Russell made headlines for his illness four years back when he had to get hospitalized due to dehydration. Apart from that, he never mentioned anything about his health issues with the outer world.

As soon as the news of his demise surfaced online, Bill Russell’s loved ones, friends, and fans have been paying tribute to him on Twitter. His sudden death has left the basketball world in shock and devastated.

Apart from his successful career as an athlete, he had a massive contribution to the Civil Rights movement. Twitter has a thread of prayers and tributes to the NBA player and his family.

Bill Russell Cause Of Death Explored

Though the family stated that Bill Russell has passed away, they have yet to reveal the cause of his death on the Internet. As the family is going through a tough time with losing their loved ones, they are keeping things private.

Russell was the first black player to achieve superstar status in the NBA. Moreover, he also played alongside Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper, and Sweetwater Clifton, all of whom were black pioneers.

Over the years, he had spent three seasons as a player-coach for the Celtics which made him the first black professional sports coach in North America. Bill was the ideal teammate and definitive winner, and his impact on the NBA will be remembered for the rest of his life.

The details of the memorial and funeral will be released soon.