What Happened To Bill Russell? Passed Away At 88, Twitter Filled With Tributes!

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Bill Russell, one of the Boston Celtics' key players of the era they won eight consecutive NBA Championships, passed away at 88.

The American was one of the most decorated players in professional basketball history. He won 11 NBA Championships with Boston Celtics, was a five-time NBA Most Valuable Player, and was a 12-time NBA All-Star.

Russell has won almost all there is to be won in his illustrious career. Besides his club career, he captained the United States team that won the Olympic Gold medal in 1956 in Melbourne. 

He held the record for the most championships won by an athlete in a North American sports league alongside the late Canadian NHL player Henri Richard.

RIP: What Happened To Bill Russell? Bill Russell Passed Away At 88

Legendary Boston Celtics player Bill Russell passed away at the age of 88. His death was announced via his social media accounts on July 31, 2022.

In a statement posted on Bill's Twitter, it was revealed that the 11-time NBA champion passed peacefully with his wife Jeannine. Arrangements for the memorial service of the legendary basketball player have not been announced yet.

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A pioneer of his generation, Russell was one of the first black players to achieve superstardom in sports. He remains the trailblazer who paved the way for many aspiring players to strive for greatness.

Born on February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, U.S., Bill resided in Mercer Island, Washington, for over four decades. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama in 2011 for his accomplishments on the court and in the civil rights movement.

Bill Russell Cause Of Death -How Did He Die?

It is believed that Bill Russell died of natural causes, according to the statement on his social media. As of now, no official cause of death of Bill Russell has been mentioned.

It was revealed that Bill passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his side. Nothing has been written on the official statement about the legendary basketball player's illness or health problems.

An announcement… pic.twitter.com/KMJ7pG4R5Z

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) July 31, 2022

At the age of 88, Bill Russell probably died of natural causes. Tributes and obituaries are flowing on the internet from many current and former players and numerous celebrities and politicians. A legend has passed away.

Also Read: Death Of Cranium CEO Richard Tait Prompts Wave Of Tributes On Twitter

Bill Russell Wife And Children

Bill Russel married his high school sweetheart Rose Swisher for the first time in 1956. The two were parents to three children; a daughter named Karen Russell and two sons, William Jr., and Jacob.

However, as time passed, the couple grew emotionally distant, and after almost two decades of marriage, they divorced in 1973.

Russell's second marriage was with the 1968 Miss USA, Dorothy Anstett. They married in 1977, but the marriage was short-lived, as they divorced in 1980.

The Boston Celtics legend married for the third time with Marilyn Nault in 1996. However, the marriage ended after his death of Marilyn in January 2009.

Bill's fourth marriage was with Jeannine Russell, who remained his wife until his death on July 31, 2022. She was by his side while Bill took his last breath.

The death of Bill Russell has left a huge gap in basketball history. He was a trailblazer, a legend. Rest in peace, Bill.

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