Former Utah Jazz All-Star Mark Eaton has died at the age of 64, the Deseret News has confirmed.
The Summit County (Utah) Sheriff’s Office announced it received a 911 call at 8:26 p.m. Friday “from a citizen who reported finding an unconscious man lying in the roadway on Long Rifle Road, in the Silver Creek Estates neighborhood of Summit County. It appears the man was riding a bicycle and crashed.”
The man was identified as Eaton. He was taken to the hospital, where he died. The sheriff’s office said there is no reason to believe a vehicle was involved.
“The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of Mr. Eaton’s death,” the press release stated.
The 7-foot-4 Eaton played for the Jazz from 1982-1993 after being a fourth-round draft pick out of UCLA. His size allowed him to become a dominant force on the defensive end, and he was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 and 1989.
He was named an All-Star once, in 1989, and his No. 53 was retired by the Jazz.
After his playing career, the California native remained in Utah and became an accomplished businessman, speaker and author.
“The Utah Jazz are profoundly saddened at the unexpected passing of Mark Eaton, who was an enduring figure in our franchise history and had a significant impact in the community after his basketball career,” the team said in a statement. “Mark played his entire 11-year NBA career with the Jazz and his number was retired as an NBA All-Star and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
“His presence continued around the organization as a friend and ambassador while giving back as a businessman and volunteer to his adopted hometown in Utah. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Teri and their extended family. Mark will be greatly missed by all of us with the Jazz.”
On Saturday morning, a number of notable figures shared memories of Eaton and offered their condolences on Twitter.
To my great mentor and friend @markeaton7ft4 , one of kind and an amazing human being, i’m grateful for your presence in my life over the years. Gonna miss our conversations. But i know you’ll be watching. pic.twitter.com/XDvEJTPCwp
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) May 29, 2021
Mark Eaton, former NBA Defensive Player of the Year was a friend, colleague and trusted spirit. I had the privilege to coach Mark with the Utah Jazz, and his humility will always be remembered. Westminster, Cali and UCLA proud, R.I.P. in shot blocking heaven. A giant of a man!
— Gordon Chiesa (@gchiesaohmy) May 29, 2021
Devastated to hear the passing of Mark Eaton, one of the nicest guys around. Thoughts are with Teri & the rest of his family
— Joe Ingles (@Joeingles7) May 29, 2021
Wow another blow. Mark Eaton was a force on the floor and force of kindness off the floor. Always gave you his full attention and every action had sincerity #ripbigmark
— David Locke (@DLocke09) May 29, 2021
RIP Mark Eaton.
— KJ Malone (@Kj63Kj) May 29, 2021
Bigger than life. A Man who made an impact on the court and off. Rest In Peace @markeaton7ft4 https://t.co/lF1rpkmn4f
— Alema Harrington (@AlemaHarrington) May 29, 2021
So sad to hear about the passing of Mark Eaton. A gentleman’s gentleman, he was one player that helped show me the ropes in dealing with players and working with the team when I came here in 1991. RIP Mark.
— Steve Klauke (@slbeesradio) May 29, 2021
Mark Eaton was one heck of a nice guy. A mountain of a man. Rest, Mark. https://t.co/8ksQmntb4L
— Rex Chapman (@RexChapman) May 29, 2021
On “Inside the NBA” on Saturday morning, Charles Barkley said he had been in contact throughout the last week with Eaton as Eaton was in Atlanta celebrating the career of Major League Baseball umpire Joe West.
“That just broke my heart,” Barkley said, calling Eaton “the ultimate gentle giant.”
Shaquille O’Neal said he didn’t know Eaton, but that Eaton was “the first gentleman that made me feel small (physically)...and he was tough. I used to give him that old patented elbow sandwich that I give the guys. He never complained, never said anything, so my condolences go out to his family. I hear nothing but great things about him.”
Added Kenny Smith: “A class act. Gentleman. A 7-foot-4 gentleman but a tenacious rebounder, tenacious shot blocker, and then you get off the court, he’d shake your hand, brush your shoulder off for you if you needed something.
“As much as (John) Stockton and (Karl) Malone were the face of the Utah Jazz, so was Mark Eaton. Everyone associated him with the Utah Jazz.”
Smith noted that Eaton was effective after his playing career in connecting former players with each other through the retired players association.
“We all talked to him on a lot of different basis, and he will be dearly missed,” Smith said.
The Inside the NBA crew reacts to the passing of Utah Jazz legend Mark Eaton.
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 29, 2021
Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/vxdnMX2s4B
This story will be updated.
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