Former NBA center Elden Campbell died at age 57 during a fishing trip in Florida on Monday, December 1, 2025, according to his family. The retired basketball star, who spent more than eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and won an NBA championship in 2004, suffered an accident that shocked his loved ones and the basketball community.
Campbell’s sister, Sandra, told The New York Post that her brother collapsed after returning to shore from his fishing expedition. The death was unexpected, as Campbell had shown no signs of illness before the incident. “It was all the sudden,” Sandra said. “He wasn’t sick. He was out fishing.”
The medical examiner in Florida later ruled Campbell’s cause of death as accidental drowning. He was pronounced dead at 8:03 p.m. on December 1.
The 6-foot-11 center enjoyed a 15-year NBA career that began when the Lakers selected him in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft. Campbell had starred at Clemson University before entering the professional ranks. He went on to play eight and a half seasons for Los Angeles, becoming a reliable presence in the paint during the 1990s.
Throughout his career, Campbell averaged 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Known by the nicknames “Easy E” and “Big E,” he was recognized for his effortless style of play and mild temperament on the court. His athletic ability made him a favorite target for alley-oop passes, and his jumping ability consistently impressed teammates and opponents alike.
After his time with the Lakers, Campbell played for several other franchises including the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets, Seattle SuperSonics, and New Jersey Nets. He achieved his greatest team success with the Detroit Pistons, winning an NBA championship with the team in 2004. The championship run represented a career highlight for the veteran center.
The Detroit Pistons organization released a statement expressing deep sadness over Campbell’s passing. The franchise noted that Campbell was a proud member of their 2004 NBA Championship team and played an important role during one of the most memorable chapters in franchise history. The statement praised Campbell’s strength and skill in patrolling the paint, as well as his calm presence and warm personality that made him beloved by teammates, fans, and the community.
Former teammate Magic Johnson posted a heartfelt tribute on social media platform X on Wednesday. “I loved throwing lobs to Elden because he could jump out the gym and had so much talent!” Johnson wrote. He added that he and his wife Cookie were praying for Campbell’s family and Lakers Nation as they mourned during the difficult time.
Campbell’s family also released a public statement about his passing. They described him as a man of faith who trusted in his lord and savior Jesus Christ. The statement characterized Campbell as a husband, father, brother, cousin, and friend for whom family meant everything. His relatives said he was generous, funny, disciplined, and kind, though he could be firm when necessary. The family found some comfort in noting that Campbell passed while doing what he loved—fishing out on the ocean and enjoying what he considered an ideal day.
Sandra Campbell reflected on her brother’s importance to the family. “He was such a big pillar and a staple to our family,” she said. “He’s going to be terribly missed.”
Campbell is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and four children: Jay Lee, Jael, Ariel, and Aaron. He also leaves behind his sister Sandra and brothers Elwayne and Charles Jr. The family’s loss resonates throughout the basketball community, where Campbell’s contributions spanned a decade and a half of professional play.
The basketball world continues to mourn the loss of a player who represented consistency and professionalism throughout his career. Campbell’s journey from Clemson to the NBA, his years with the Lakers during a transitional period for the franchise, and his championship success with Detroit created a legacy that fans and former teammates remember fondly. His sudden passing while enjoying a recreational activity has added to the sense of shock among those who knew him and admired his career.
