Chicago Bulls legend Stacey King’s cause of death has been determined.
A spokesperson for the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office told the California Post on Monday that the three-time NBA champion died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease — an issue caused by long-term high blood pressure.
Obesity was a contributing factor and the manner was natural, the rep added.
King, who turned into a beloved Bulls broadcaster following his NBA career, died on June 7 at his home in River Forest, Ill., and in announcing his passing, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf called him “a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history.”
“We will miss him deeply,” Reinsdorf said, “and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor, and passion he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day.”
King joined the Bulls in 1989 after he was selected with the sixth overall pick in the draft.
Playing alongside Michael Jordan, the 6-foot-11, 230-pound power forward won rings in three of his first four seasons as a Bull.
King’s time as a player in Chicago ended in 1994 when he was traded to the Timberwolves in a deal that included Luc Longley. He went on to play in the league until 1997, logging minutes for the Heat, Mavericks and Celtics.
In retirement, he stepped into the Bulls’ broadcast booth, and quickly became a fan favorite, coining phrases like “gimme the hot sauce!” and “sriracha!”
“Stacey loved being a Bull,” Jerry Reinsdorf’s son, Michael, said in a statement at the time of his passing. “You could feel it in everything he did — the way he played, the way he called games and the way he connected with our fans.
“He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal. He brought an energy and love for the game that came through in every broadcast, helping fans feel connected to our team. Whether it was through a broadcast, a conversation or a photo with a fan, Stacey made people feel seen and valued.”
King was 59 years old.
