Felton Spencer’s Cause of Death Explained: How Did an NBA Player Die at 55?

Felton Spencer was a star on the University of Louisville men’s basketball team. He grew up in Louisville. He died in the late 1980s before playing for more than a decade in the NBA. He …

Felton Spencer was a star on the University of Louisville men’s basketball team. He grew up in Louisville. He died in the late 1980s before playing for more than a decade in the NBA. He was 55. Spencer, who attended Eastern High School, died of natural causes after a short stay at the University of Louisville Hospital. Tammy Pollock, his younger sister, told the Courier-Journal. Louisville also tweeted that they were “heartbroken” by Spencer’s death. Kenny Payne, Spencer’s former teammate and now Cardinals coach, sent his love and thoughts to Spencer’s family on social media. But the 7-foot-10 Louisville native “Chief” scored 1,168 points from 1986-90.

On Feb. 27, 1990, he scored 32 points against Tulane, which is tied for eighth all-time at the school. Spencer averaged 14.9 points per game as a senior and set the Cardinals’ single-season field goal percentage record with 188 of 276 attempts (68.1 percent). His career average of 62.8 percent (409 of 651) remains the best.

Felton Spencer’s Cause of Death

We are heartbroken by the passing of UofL great Felton Spencer. Spencer was the Cardinals’ all-time leader in career field goal percentage, the No. 6 overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft, and a beloved member of the Louisville community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.

He died on March 12, 2023, but the official cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Since then, many of his former friends, colleagues and fans have sent him tributes and condolences. Felton Spencer will be known as a good player who worked hard and contributed to the sport on and off the field. How did Felton Spencer die?

Felton Spencer Cause of death

Felton Spencer Cause of deathFormer NBA star Felton Spencer died on March 12, 2023, at the age of 55.

Although his family or representatives have not said for certain what happened to him, some sources say he may have died of a heart attack. Spencer was known for his great basketball skills. During his 10 years in the NBA, he played for several different teams. His sudden death drew tributes and condolences from his former teammates, peers and fans, who remembered him as a talented and hard-working player.

What did Felton Spencer die of?

The official reason for Felton Spencer’s death has not been confirmed by his family or representatives. But some stories say he had a heart attack that killed him. Spencer had a history of health problems, including heart problems, which may have led to his sudden death.

Felton Spencer Cause of death

Felton Spencer Cause of deathReports indicate he may have had a heart attack, but this has not been proven by the government.  Spencer was known as a good player with a good heart who made a big difference in the NBA.  Fans and fellow players will always remember him and his accomplishments.

Felton Spencer Career

The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Spencer with the sixth overall pick in 1990.

NBA Draft. He began his journey with the Timberwolves, where he primarily played as a backup center for four years. In 1994, he joined the Utah Jazz as a free agent. There he played for five seasons, and in 1997 and 1998 he was part of the team that reached the NBA Finals. Spencer played for the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic and Denver Nuggets after leaving the Jazz in 1999.

Felton Spencer Cause of death

Felton Spencer Cause of deathHe stopped playing in the NBA in 2002, after 12 seasons.  During his time in the NBA, Felton Spencer was known for being a strong defender and a good blocker.  He didn't score much, but he helped his teams in important ways.

He averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1 block per game in his career. Spencer returned to Louisville after he stopped playing hoops and became a successful businessman. He owns several businesses in the Louisville area, including an auto shop.