– Former NBA player and billionaire businessman Junior Bridgeman has died after suffering a medical emergency.

WAVE reports that one of its employees was at an event on March 11 in downtown Louisville at the Galt House when the 71-year-old grabbed his chest and said he thought he was having a heart attack.

Medical personnel were called to the scene and the room was cleared.

Later in the day, the Al J. Schneider Company, which represents the Galt House, confirmed Bridgeman’s death and expressed sympathies for the loss of the Louisville icon.
“Junior Bridgeman was an integral part of our community. From his athletic impact to his philanthropic efforts, he will be deeply missed,” company representatives said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bridgeman family during this time.”

Bridgeman played basketball for the University of Louisville from 1972 to 1975 under coach Danny Crum. He went on to join the Milwaukee Bucks from 1975 to 1984.

After retiring from the NBA, Bridgeman returned to Louisville and invested in a fast-food franchise. He eventually went on to own 500 Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants across the country.

Bridgeman served on several of Louisville’s board chairs and was also a co-owner of the Valhalla Golf Club.
In 2016, Forbes ranked Bridgeman the fourth-wealthiest retired athlete in the world, behind Arnold Palmer, David Beckham and Michael Jordan.

Condolences have poured in following the announcement of Bridgeman’s death from Louisville leaders to the NBA.

“Today, we lost a kind, generous and groundbreaking legend. He was an All-American at UofL, an NBA All-Star, and a self-made billionaire,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said. “Yet, I will most remember Junior Bridgeman for his quiet, impactful assistance to others in need.”

“I am devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Junior Bridgeman,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “Junior was the ultimate entrepreneur who built on his impactful 12-year NBA playing career by becoming a highly respected and successful business leader.”

Former NBA great Earvin Magic Johnson added, “I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Junior Bridgeman. I had the privilege of playing against him, and I’ll never forget how he had one of the sweetest jump shots in the NBA. But it was his character, his kindness, and his gentle soul that truly left a lasting impression on me.”