This news hit hard. Ex-Lakers player Elden Campbell is gone and the details make it even more painful to process.
Reports say Campbell’s life vest was unzipped at the time of his drowning.
That one detail stops people in their tracks.
A life vest is supposed to save you, it is supposed to be the last line of defense and knowing it was not secured adds a deep layer of sadness to an already tragic story.
TMZ Sports has obtained the investigation report on the NBA champ‘s death … which states 57-year-old Campbell left a nearby boat ramp alone around 12:37 AM on Dec. 1.
The docs say Campbell’s body was found in the sand along the water’s edge in Pompano Beach, Florida … and he was tethered to a Sea-Doo Fish Pro watercraft, which was registered to him.
Inside the watercraft, officials found personal items like his wallet and an energy drink.
Campbell’s wife told investigators the former hooper prioritized his health, was able to swim and had no history of drug or alcohol abuse.
The wife did note he had a history of Type II diabetes and high cholesterol … but did not complain of any health-related issues prior to his death.
The toxicology report came back clean.
For Elden’s loved ones, the pain is unimaginable.
There are no words that fix this. There is no sentence that makes it make sense.
Elden Campbell’s story should not be reduced to his final moments. He deserves to be remembered for the life he lived and legacy.
This tragedy is a reminder. Hold your people closer, take safety seriously and never assume there will always be another moment.
Rest in peace, Elden Campbell!
