Gerald Paddio, a former NBA player for multiple teams, has passed away after a car crash in Louisiana. He was 60 years old.
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According to Newsweek, the crash occurred in Rayne, Louisiana. A man was found dead at the scene of a single-car crash. The Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office later identified him as Paddio after notifying the family.
No cause of the accident is known as of Monday morning. KLFY News 10 reports that for some unknown reason, the vehicle left the roadway and struck a culvert. The station reports that Paddio died from injuries sustained in the crash after being ejected from the vehicle.
Paddio, a native of Louisiana, entered the NBA as a third-round pick in the 1988 Draft. He did not make his debut until the 1990-91 season due to playing in other professional leagues.
He first suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He appeared in 70 games for the Ohio-based franchise that season while starting 22. He also played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and Washington Bullets before the end of his career in 1994.
Gerald Paddio, a key member of UNLV basketball's 1987 Final Four team, has died following a single-car crash in Louisiana. He'll be remembered for that clutch 3-pointer at Madison Square Garden to down Temple in the NIT. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/OuMGWauGk4
— Raymond Brewer (@raybrewer21) April 5, 2026
Prior to entering the NBA, Paddio played a significant role as a member of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, basketball team. He helped this group reach the Final Four during the 1987 season.
UNLV went 37-2 that season while relying on Paddio's 6-foot-7-inch frame and his abilities as a shooter. He averaged 13.1 points and 4.3 rebounds that season. He also averaged 2.0 assists for the Runnin' Rebels.
This stat line includes four of his attempted three-point shots during a 84-81 win over Iowa in the Elite Eight matchup in March 1987. He ended the game second on the team with 20 points after also contributing two free throws and three two-pointers.
Paddio had a smaller role during the Final Four matchup against Indiana on March 28, 1987. He still contributed six points as UNLV fell 97-93.
