He died on the basketball court: The grave of Hank Gathers

[@norwoodwildlife9849]

"I don't want to lay down" As someone who had a heart attack myself I know exactly what he meant when he uttered those words. I got chills when I heard that.

[@jademiddleton2559]

Why didnt you want to lay down?

[@norwoodwildlife9849]

@@jademiddleton2559 Because you feel like if you lay down you're going to pass out and not come to. Sitting up actually made me feel a lot better. But unfortunately in his case it was a major heart attack and it didn't matter.

[@jademiddleton2559]

@@norwoodwildlife9849 wow thats sounds like it fills you with overwhelming amounts of dread. Gratefully you are a survivor, wish you the best.

[@norwoodwildlife9849]

@@jademiddleton2559 Thank you, yes they called it a mild heart attack, nothing mild about it when its happening, lol. But truthfully I was lucky.

[@pinkrose1438]

@@norwoodwildlife9849 God bless you🙏❤️🌹

[@IamAries52]

I will NEVER forget that game and, his family. Should have received more in their settlement. R.I.Paradise Hank and soar high with the Angel's ❤🙏🏽❤🕊

[@newtaurus1]

more

[@TheDLitch]

He wasn't taking his meds as he should have been because he cared more about impressing scouts than his own health.

[@soulburst]

@@TheDLitch true i was a student at LMU at the time

[@johngetman1816]

I agree.

[@JOHANNA-qd6iz]

No amount of money would have brought their child back.

[@AquariusSoul]

That footage was sad to see. May he never be forgotten by all who loved him. Rest in peace Hank.

[@sandradavis4551]

Yes. I remember that footage. So sad. He kept trying to get up and he looked so scared.

[@shamonarmstead5915]

It is sad. I just can't stop looking at the grave and imagining him running around! I saw that live... it was sadly horrifying than also!

[@corduerorose9747]

He would have been playing with the bulls or the Lakers and the suns if his health didn't succumb him

[@Karl671]

I agree

[@joparker3648]

I remember Hank Gathers!!! I remember his mom running out to the court to check on him after he collapsed! It was so sad 😭 The world was devastated after his passing! Only 23 years old and had a great career ahead of him! RIP 🪦 Hank!!!

[@gerrybcolello3330]

He got his parents out of the hood. He succeeded at his goal💗🙏

[@LisaD007]

As a mom, my heart breaks for this young man and his family.

[@DavidSmith-fs6pi]

Hank was an incredible player it's really sad that he died at the prime of his life

[@basilmarasco1975]

As good a rebounder as Dennis Rodman, they said.

[@DavidSmith-fs6pi]

@James Smith In college basketball to hell with the NBA

[@Dulles-jt6sr]

Hank died in the harness.. It couldn't be more beautiful! R.I.P. Hank

[@msoi215]

Len Bias and Hank Gathers are without a doubt the two best collegiate basketball players that never played in the NBA...PERIOD!

[@theallseeingmaster]

They brought about their own ends.

[@alechall3302]

Why because they passed. So we not going to mention Kareem Abdul Jabar

[@msoi215]

@@alechall3302 It's obvious you haven't read the entire comment. It simply says the best two collegiate players that never played in the NBA.

[@nichelleholloway7633]

Ben Wilson was better than both

[@msoi215]

@@nichelleholloway7633 I'd just read up on Ben Wilson. It's truly a tragedy what happened to him. I had no idea ESPN did a documentary on him, and I definitely didn't had any idea of how good of a basketball player he really was.

[@curleycatt1045]

My former boss, Tom Peabody, played with Hank at Loyola and considered him a great true friend and still affected by his passing to this day. My boss is #11 in the clip at 3:55. Such a tragic loss of such a wonderful young man. Thank you, Lamont, for bringing awareness of amazing souls who have passed on.

[@honkeykong85]

I was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at 31 in 2017. Had open heart surgery and a pacemaker placed to help control my symptoms. This story hits real close to home. Thanks Lamont!

[@fallback8314]

do you know your ejection fraction?

[@honkeykong85]

@@fallback8314 I do! It’s in the mid to high 60s.

[@carlyhollander]

This is what killed my grandpa in 2016. He had a pacemaker placed sometime in 2014 almost lost him there because they nicked an artery.

[@kiaramcghee5501]

My daughter had a heart problem but she had great open heart surgery but she didn't need a pace maker but she is alot healthier today for a one year old

[@honkeykong85]

@@carlyhollander so sorry for your loss,friend. It’s a tough disease to live with,but I get by.

[@cynthismanning6397]

Len Bias is in Silver Hills MD. My dad worked with his mom for the federal government. I remember when my dad came home and told us what happened and told me to never use drugs. He was heartbroken.

[@sinead187]

What a great success story! Hanks family should be so proud of him. May he rest in peace.

[@Purpnurse88]

R.I.P. King 🙏🏾😇

[@nancisam8305]

What a nice son, some kids dont even care how hard their mother work to give them a better life. Hank gave his life for his family.

[@twilight6779]

Well that's him he loved his family some people can't love there's

[@RenieNostalgic]

They say being big makes one prone to those sort of conditions. So sad.

[@panchovilla5359]

My friend is a big guy and has heart problems.

[@burgundybabyy]

Such a poor kid. Stuck between a rock and a hard place - wanting to play and have the energy to play because he loved it and he wanted to do right by his family and see them move out of that bad area, and also needing to take care of his health but not being able to without the other things ending. Most kids his age would probably have made the same choice NOT to take a meds. We all think we're invincible when we're younger. RIP.

[@anthonywhite2557]

RIP Hank Gathers 😪❤️ he was one of the greatest ..

[@purplelove010]

According to my research, the same thing happened to other basketball players such as Zena Upshaw and Reggie Lewis. May all 3 of these men rest in peace.

[@andrewsmith3257]

Don't forget Ernest Byner

[@dileedavis]

What ashame, he was a very nice looking man. Thank you Lamont for telling his story for all of us😇

[@heartstrings7814]

I was watching this game with my Grandfather. Very traumatic for all that witnessed this especially the fans who were present. This was the beginning of whispers and fear for athletes being pushed too far and their medical conditions being ignored. Up until then, Coaches pushed pushed and pushed. This was the beginning of how the culture very slowly changed.

[@truth4you349]

R.I.P. Mr. Gathers. Lamont, the way you wiped off his picture was so touching.

[@Offthbadan]

I remember this so well. A few years later Boston Celtic Reggie Lewis died with the same diagnosis I believe.

[@melissa2688]

I'm a Philly girl and grew up during the period that Hank Gathers & Bo Kimble played for Dobbins (my family is from the same hood as Gathers & my uncles went to Dobbins). We had some ballers through the decades in Philadelphia and Hank was the real deal. The rec center was named for him at 25th & Diamond in North Philly so he'll never be forgotten.

[@Liksterr97]

He was born a day before my birthday! He didn’t wanna lay down because he knew he may not have gotten back up. 😭

[@alfredwilson3915]

I lived in LA at that time and after his passing, the Lions finished out that season completely electrified so to honor him, especially Bo Kimble who led them as far as the NCAA Championship quarter finals. And I'll say, the entire LA area was as captivated by this great story as they typically were whenever the Lakers made it to the NBA finals. As a side, legendary basketball coach Paul Westhead who lead the Lakers to an NBA championship the first year Magic Johnson played for them - with help from Hank Gathers/Bo Kimball and other talented members from that team turned the Lions from a "who are they?" team into the office water cooler conversation ever morning after they played. Equal if only for that moment of the John Wooden UCLA days. Hank Gathers was arguably one if the most talked about LA sports figures that last year of his life. RIP Hank! You made life exciting for those who appreciate exceptional athletic talent.

[@annacarter4879]

May he rest with the angels

[@jchavez53]

As a tribute to Hank, Bo Kimble would shoot the first of every foul shot left handed to honor Hank, who used to shoot foul shots left handed.

[@alfredwilson3915]

@@jchavez53 yes! and when he made the shot, the arena would explode as if they'd won the game.....magical

[@gaddyify]

I remember watching that game, he was one of the best college players in the country, and NBA bound. RIP Hank Gathers.

[@m.lashxy]

The Hank gather center is around the corner from my old house…I got super excited when I saw this video… thank you so much for this video Lamar❤️❤️❤️

[@denawilliams2033]

Went to high school with him Murrell Dobbins

[@feenix8461]

"I don't want to lay down" are as good last words as I've ever heard. Thank you for this video

[@creolelady4096]

I remember that day and the game I was watching it with my future husband. It was so sad a young man gone to soon. May God grant him eternal peace and rest in his Kingdom.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@cutetattooedgirl5322]

May he rest in paradise 🙏🏻. 🙏🏻

[@andreabryant1131]

hey lamont!! thank you!! for remembering this fine young man!!! 🤗👐🤗👐🤗 and 💋😘😗😚😙♥ peace ✌ out!!!

[@angieburnett4341]

I'm a men's college bball nut--one of my emails is hoopsnut, lol. I was in high school when this happened & I was heartbroken. (Still really makes my heart heavy.) He was such a BEAST. I loved watching him & couldn't WAIT to see his NBA career unfold. Beau Kimble wrote a book for him, "For You, Hank" I still have--good book. One of his nicknames was Hank "The bank" which still makes me smile. They unveiled a statue of him last year I think it was, bittersweet. Thanks Lamont, this is a grave I've always wanted to visit & haven't made it from Indiana. Love, hugs & God Bless you 💞💞

[@Angel-iw6zk]

May Hank continue to R.I.P 🙏 🕊. Such great talent & a young life cut short. So sad.

[@queenrc4372]

Hello Lamont,I just got home from work & I screamed with joy " he did it",scaring my hubby lol when I noticed that you fulfilled one of my requests.Thank you so much for a GREAT,AWESOME JOB on The Hank Gathers Story.He was the best #44 in college basketball along with Lynn Bias.Keep doing what you do while I keep watching.Be safe.Peace & Blessings From "The Councils"❤✌🏽🙏🏽

[@johnnyguitarwatson5288]

I was 17 when this happened, & it scarred me! I'm 50 now, & it still tearful tears me apart! RIP hank-G , LIFE IS RIDICULOUS MAN!

[@catherineferguson7388]

Hi Lamont, that’s so sad about Hank, playing that game to give his family a better life, what a gentleman. RIP Hank. 💐💐, thanks Lamont. Xxxx

[@msoi215]

I remember they did a movie on life and death of Hank Gathers some years ago. I also remember I cried when it came to the scene when the mother of Hank Gathers, as well as Bo Kimble, found out that he had passed.

[@dreamichelle1278]

I remember that movie too. Nell Carter played his mom. That scene was so heartbreaking. His story itself is heartbreaking. May he rest in peace. All these years later, he's still respected and hasn't been forgotten ❤

[@msoi215]

@ThatRedBoneThug That's the one 👌

[@eddarabben20]

ahh dang he died before I was born but may Hank Rest In Peace

[@laurenklatman6918]

I remember when that happened ♥️ RIP Hank! Always remembered ♥️

[@roser6963]

Damn. That’s sad. I had never heard of this young man.

[@mindyabiznesspeople]

still remember that moment, devastating…….RIP big man, he was an electrifying player, one in a million

[@monicahyland8641]

Hi 👋 Lamont, today is my birthday and I enjoy your videos.. you brighten up my life.

[@MissMcGuyver]

Congrats 🎊

[@davidmorgan4469]

Happy Birthday

[@roser6963]

Happiest of Birthdays hun! Enjoy your day!

[@petermcdonagh4056]

Happy birthday 🎂🎉🎊

[@RenieNostalgic]

Happy Birthday 🎉🥳

[@jimmer1047]

I remember him. Almost 32 years ago. Wow, unbelievable how time flies. Some of us get old while others don't. Luck of the draw. Love what you do and how you do it Lamont

[@randalljohnson7123]

🙋🏾‍♂️💭🍾🥂FOREVER LEGACY BIG HANK GATHERS GONE IN FLESH BUT LEGACY IS NEVER EVER FORGOTTN!!!!

[@crissaconway142]

Rest In Peace Hank.🏀🏀🏀🤎💜💐🦋🦋👍

[@christineyazzie4932]

Sad stores, bless your resting place.

[@aprilforrett7081]

Such a wonderful young man and his life was cut short ❤❤

[@pannamal5182]

Sad, such a shorten life. May he be playing hoops in his heavenly realm

[@KatClem46]

I remember this tragedy vividly when it happened. And I've seen the heartbreaking video. Seeing his mom run onto the court has to be one of the most heart-wrenching things I've ever seen. He would most likely have been one hell of player in the NBA. RIP, Hank Gathers...

[@davidstudebaker7397]

Len Bias, easily the best college player not to play in the nba. Anyone who doesn't think so probably never saw him play. Side note. Kimble would end that season shooting his first free throw left handed in honor of Gathers. Not knocking Hank, he would of had a very successful NBA career but Bias would have been a beast.

[@leighmitcler3320]

Len Bias, hands down the best player. I remember seeing him sign w/the Boston Celtics an then wake up the next morning an Len Bias is dead from an overdose. Great loss of a very talented player.

[@soesterbergblue]

I agree, Bias would have been a superstar.

[@christiehicks2022]

100% Correct!!!!

[@curtisbyrd8550]

I totally agree I think Lenny bias was the best player then hank I will never forget that Loyola Marymount game

[@faiza515]

@@soesterbergblue Shame he died so young.His brother was also murdered shortly after. They're buried together

[@leeslove1999]

Yes I remember Hank the rec center is named after him GOD Bless His Soul Cares All Passed Home At Last Forever To Rejoice He Is At Peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@JWyatt23]

Every year on March 4th, I post a picture of Bo Kimble shooting a left handed free throw in honor of Hank Gathers. Every year it chokes me up. Great video, Lamont.

[@curtissmith5469]

R.I.P. Hank,I never knew you or met you but even though your heart wasn't the healthiest, you had a very kind one to have the ambition to want to help your family have a better life in a better city buy wanting to be in the NBA.I don't follow College basketball, I'm more of a hockey fan especially the Toronto Maple Leafs,but every life has meaning and I'm so sorry he wasn't able to live out his dream. Thank you Lemont for every Vlog.

[@Jason.cbr1000rr]

That was hes destiny/date to be ded anyway .... im serious everything happens for a reason and whatever is supposed to happen and be is how it is

[@vincentthomas9817]

My friends and I sat and watch that unforgettable game. Remember it like it was yesterday. Never will forget.

[@momv2pa]

So sad. I can remember when this happened. Sympathies to his family and friends. 😢

[@kharris0465]

Heartbreaking loss.

[@roro0575]

I remember my UNLV Rebels playing that team with Hank in Las Vegas and then again ending their cinderella season during the tournament. Both games was high scoring. To me that was some great years of college hoops.

[@Jake-pw7rj]

He was cut down way too soon, but I suspect he would not have wanted to give up playing the game. RIP Hank.

[@danylturner9192]

I remember that well, being from Philly. I was stationed in Albuquerque in the Air Force and was watching that game..😪

[@phiberoptik232]

Sad circumstance for such a gifted and talented young man. RIP Hank.

[@stephanieann8115]

#44 much respect. Absolutely heartbreaking ❤️‍🩹. Why is it that the good die young? Rest In Peace Hank. You will never be forgotten.

[@Maxdouble07]

Hi Lamont. This is a great feature. My brother and I were young but we watched Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble play. ESPN documentary 30for30 Guru of Go has his story which is really good. Some of the ones that come to mind who never made it to the NBA are Benji Wilson and Len Bias. Both of their stories are well documented by the 30for30 series as well. Rest In Peace Benji, Len and Hank 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽!

[@armathis2647]

Yea miah I hope Lamont do a story on Benji Wilson and Len Bias.

[@charlesdobine4321]

Ben Wilson is maybe the greatest player to not even make it to college. Being a huge High School basketball fan from Chicago, it is sad how and why he died.

[@missdaisy5736]

Oh this is so sad such a talent and so young with so much integrity! I’m so sorry for his family and loved ones and friends I know they miss him. I know he is in heaven and progressing to help us here on earth. Please say prayers for him and ask for prayers from him. He is a special and powerful angel and soul of God❤️

[@crystalwallace2175]

I have inappropriate sinus tachycardia. This story hits close to home.

[@erinchambers9]

IST isn’t cause for concern and exercise along with trigger avoidance helps. This man had Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Completely different.

[@hustlemotivate8670]

I saw the movie, "The Hank Gather's Story." It was shocking and sad. He was young, just had a baby, and was excelling in his basketball career.

[@adampruitt9211]

How old is his Son or daughter now?

[@hustlemotivate8670]

@@adampruitt9211 between 30-32

[@samfranks9468]

I'm surprised that movie didn't win awards

[@LadyDuchess]

Hank’s son is named Aaron Crump and he was 6 when Hank died so he’s probably 38 or 39 years old now.

[@rrbabygirrl4822]

This was so sad. I remember seeing this. I cried bcuz it was so heartbreaking to see. RIP Hank. You did a great job on and off the court.

[@davidaldine4183]

You were right on with len bias and hank gathers. That would be my two people for best college players that didn't play in the NBA

[@williammouri1096]

Hank was a beast. NBA player for sure, maybe a real star. Sad just like Len Bias.

[@phyllisalexander1012]

I was diagnosed with hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy also after chemo treatment rushed by husband to E R and docs told me n hubby I had same heart problem as Hank Gathers I have pacemaker n defibrillator in chest since 2006. Thank God doing good. RIP.

[@Linda-in9ns]

So sad to hear this. 🙏🏻He was so young. And wanted a good life for himself. So heartbreaking. Prayers for the family. ❤️

[@lisaellis2593]

Amen, his story made me cry, poor man .

[@deerjoy2435]

It’s sad he didn’t stop playing knowing about his heart condition other wise he would of passed ** so sad he took a risk that took his life…

[@deerjoy2435]

Other wise he wouldn’t of died

[@joharper284]

I remember seeing this. Rip Hank.🕊🕊

[@garymorell6924]

Shows you how many things we take for granted in life.

[@Notorious2PacOG]

rest in peace, Hank. he would have been a great NBA player. A legacy that was cut short. this is the first time ive heard of him & i am a diehard NBA fan. thank you for sharing this mans story. Glad to have learned about him

[@SarahColeman-mo2dw]

He was knocking on deaths door basically. I hated that happened to him.

[@YogiWonKenobi78]

He was a baller Bro..Much love and Respect..💯 #RIPHANK 🌹 🙏

[@steelersluv]

I truly love how you honor these people. You even care for their graves. I have so much respect for you and what you do brother.

[@patrickbowers8359]

Wow i live in Philly and I remember this long ago

[@cougar031682]

I remember watching SportsCenter as a kid (back then I was 8 years old) that night and saw this clip of Hang Gathers collapsing in that WCC tournament game and passing away that night. Man, it was sobering for me as a kid watching this clip on SportsCenter. When I read more into his college career, I was amazed on how great he was an Loyola Marymount. Btw, to answer that question on who's the best college basketball player to never play in the NBA, the answer is Len Bias. He was the #1 overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. Gathers was projected to be a lottery pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, whether he would have matched Bias as the #1 overall pick, tragically, we'll never know (Derrick Coleman from Syracuse was the #1 overall pick for the then-New Jersey Nets in that 1990 NBA Draft).

[@maingeemutt1668]

Len Bias was the #2 pick, Brad Daugherty was selected #1 by the Cleveland Cavaliers that draft.

[@kayodephillips5435]

I will never forget this when it happen

[@scottmiller8396]

Very sad being from Oregon and watching that game break my heart he would have been a All Star

[@bigrudd9346]

I remember this as well as the footage. RIP.

[@calvinbealer7264]

RIP Mr. Hank Gathers Thank you for your Talent. God Bless you.

[@paulamcmillan1409]

RIP SWEETHEART ❤

[@hopoutnswitchhisahh]

Thanks for doing a video, on my Uncle Man❤️❤️‍🩹

[@bernadettehernandez9624]

Sending condolences to the family and friends rip u did good God had better things for u in heaven

[@bobsdaughter2594]

Hank Gathers! a Philly legend! Went to Dobbins High School in North Philly. They used to have a Hank Gathers day in honor of him. Mt. Lawn Cemetery also is the resting place of Philly born and raised Miss Tammi Terrell. This cemetery needs a lot if work but they still do interments here

[@terriperez9312]

Oml that footage is so sad 😞 May God embrace his presence in heaven. 🙏

[@Janettoi]

Wow. Never heard of this guy, his life was cut short. Rest in peace 🕊

[@carayj]

I enjoy these videos about famous African Americans who arent usually covered in other vlogs

[@erinchambers9]

Ventricular tachycardia is not just a fast heart beat. The EKG actually looks like tombstones and you need to be cardio verted to get out of it. If I remember correctly, he had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which is the leading cause of cardiac arrest in young athletes.

[@donniethomas6785]

I saw this on inside edition when I was 11 in 90 ,it scared me as a kid as I got older and learned his stats on the court and his character off the court are legendary ,122 ppg as a team that year

[@SarahSmith-ox5yr]

Just saw the footage. Wow. So sad. Never heard of him. RIP

[@bernedettekuteyi3843]

Rip beautiful son of Almighty God.

[@TheSagaLover1]

I'm not a sport fan, but I have a bad heart too! I felt for him being so young and on meds. I know they will make you so weak and tired. R.I.P. Hank Gathers 😥 I shed a lot of tears for you tonight😥😥

[@michellerobinson1318]

All children who want to participate in school sports should have to pass a full battery of tests before playing and be tested every year they continue.

[@darthvadar102]

They do in today's sports, with some signing a waiver that the sports authorities are not liable if something happens to that person.

[@jenniferwagner6425]

So sad when anyone dies, but he seemed like a good guy. They say the good die young.

[@lisaellis2593]

Amen! They do.

[@jasonshiers5771]

Man that was tragic, i remember being at White Hart Lane when Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest in fron of 30 plus thousand people. It is a scary.

[@aprildonald1720]

I'm from Burnley and remember that well. It was terrifying. As was Christian Erikson.

[@terriwalsh612]

HEY LAMONT! LOVE YOUR SHOW! YOU ARE IN MY HOMETOWN, PHILADELPHIA, PA! THANKS FOR THIS STORY! SO VERY SAD THO.....😇🙏🤲😢

[@jeanaesamuel47]

I remember reading and hearing about hun. Sad story.💙💙💙 RIP Hank!!!💙💙💙

[@shelaleon1879]

Thanks Lamont for honoring Hank.

[@b-dalebarksdale348]

Thank U Lamont At Large, u really honor the lost and falling very well u are a special human being I love u for what u do and seeing u clean his picture on his head stone remind me of me when I go to Cemeteries because I do the same thing even if I don't know them, keep doing what u doing don't stop my Brother!, RIP Hank gone 💔 but not forgotten!!💐🙏💞