Former NBA center Elden Campbell died from accidental drowning during a fishing trip in Florida on Monday, December 1, 2025, according to officials. The medical examiner confirmed Campbell was pronounced dead at 8:03 p.m. that evening. He was 57 years old.
Campbell’s sister, Sandra, told reporters she believed the incident occurred after her brother returned to shore from being out on the water. “It was all the sudden. He wasn’t sick. He was out fishing,” she explained.
The news sent shockwaves through the basketball community, where Campbell was remembered as both a talented player and a beloved teammate. Standing 6 feet 11 inches tall, Campbell carved out a successful 15-year career in the NBA after being drafted 27th overall in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Campbell spent eight and a half seasons with the Lakers organization, playing alongside some of basketball’s biggest names including Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. His career statistics reflected consistent production, averaging 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game throughout his time in the league. Known by the nicknames Easy E or Big E, Campbell was recognized for his effortless playing style and ability to make difficult plays look routine.
Beyond his years in Los Angeles, Campbell played for several other franchises including the Charlotte Hornets, Seattle SuperSonics and New Jersey Nets. His career reached its pinnacle in 2004 when he won an NBA championship as a member of the Detroit Pistons, adding the sport’s highest team honor to his résumé after more than a decade of professional play.
Magic Johnson, who played with Campbell during his time with the Lakers, paid tribute to his former teammate on social media Wednesday. “I loved throwing lobs to Elden because he could jump out the gym and had so much talent!” Johnson wrote, adding that he and his wife Cookie were praying for Campbell’s family and Lakers Nation during this difficult time.
The Detroit Pistons organization also released a statement honoring Campbell’s contributions to their championship team. The franchise acknowledged that Campbell patrolled the paint with strength and skill during one of the most memorable chapters in their history. Beyond his on-court abilities, the team noted his calm presence and warm personality made him beloved by teammates, fans and the community.
Campbell’s basketball journey began at Clemson University, where he starred before entering the NBA. His college success helped propel him into professional basketball’s first round, launching what would become a career spanning parts of three decades. The longevity Campbell achieved in the NBA speaks to both his skill level and durability, as relatively few players manage to compete at the highest level for 15 seasons.
Sandra Campbell reflected on her brother’s importance to their family, describing him as a big pillar and a staple to the family who would be terribly missed. The sentiment captured the dual nature of Campbell’s life as both a public figure in professional sports and a private family man who valued his relationships with loved ones.
Campbell is survived by his wife Rosemary and their four children: Jay Lee, Jael, Ariel and Aaron. He also leaves behind his sister Sandra and brothers Elwayne and Charles Jr. The family released their own statement emphasizing Campbell’s faith and character, describing him as a man of faith who trusted in his lord and savior Jesus Christ and was generous, funny, disciplined and kind.
The family statement noted that Campbell passed doing what he loved: fishing out on the ocean, enjoying his idea of an ideal day. This detail provided some measure of comfort to those mourning his loss, suggesting he spent his final hours engaged in an activity that brought him peace and enjoyment away from the spotlight of professional basketball.
As the basketball community continues processing Campbell’s death, tributes have poured in from former teammates, opponents and fans who appreciated his contributions to the sport. His championship ring, lengthy career and reputation as a skilled big man who could finish lobs with authority cemented his place in NBA history. The outpouring of remembrances demonstrates the lasting impact Campbell made both on and off the court during his years in professional basketball.