Former Milwuakee Bucks player turned billionaire businessman, Junior Bridgeman, tragically passed away at 71 years old after suffering a medical emergency at a public event on Tuesday.
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That is, Bridgeman was being interviewed at a benefit luncheon (Lincoln Heritage Council, Scouting America) in the Galt House Hotel when it occurred, according to WLKY.
Reportedly, during the Q&A, Bridgeman actually told reporter Kent Taylor that he felt he was having a heart attack.
An ambulance was called, but unfortunately it was too late.
The company in which owns the hotel released a statement following the fatal incident.
"Junior Bridgeman was an integral part of our community. From his athletic impact to his philanthropic efforts, he will be deeply missed."
Junior Bridgeman was a ex-NBA player who was superstar billionaire businessman, philanthropist and a legendary figure in Louisville. He purchased a 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks last year and his family also owns Ebony and Jets magazine. A LEGEND who was more than an athlete. https://t.co/ikHstTKpqI
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) March 11, 2025
Notably, just six months ago Bridgeman had acquired 10% ownership of the Milwaukee Bucks ($3.4 billion valuation) after 10 seasons playing with the franchise and having his #2 jersey retired.
We are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman. We send our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/XakoTcDeF5
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 11, 2025
He was drafted No. 8 overall in the 1975 NBA Draft by the LA Lakers, who traded him to the Bucks in a deal that included Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Bridgeman accumulated 11,517 points in the NBA, as a spark plug for many of the successful Bucks teams in the 70's/80's.
Yet, he was even more of a superstar off the court, as Bridgeman became a self-made businessman, who turned his less than $300,000 a season NBA salary into a business empire, by investing in fast food chains.
His own company, Bridgeman Fast Foods Inc., owned more than 450 restaurants, which he sold most of them in 2016.
Also, he became a Coca-Cola distributor and owner of Ebony & Jet magazines. In addition to being a co-owner of the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, where he played his college ball.
Shaq reflects on the passing of his friend, @Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YiDzQhqR4R
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 11, 2025
Bridgeman was actually the fourth wealthiest former athlete of all-time (2016 Forbes).
Former NBA player Junior Bridgman has sadly passed away.
🙏
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) March 11, 2025
Bridgeman will always be remembered as a legend in the Milwaukee Bucks family, Louisville community, and all the lives he impacted with his philanthropic work. A true inspiration.
RIP
Related: Junior Bridgeman Built His Near-Billion Dollar Empire Off Fast Food
