Former NBA star and Purdue Boilermakers standout Caleb Swanigan has died at the age of 25. The Allen County coroner’s office has stated that Swanigan died on Monday night from natural causes at a Fort Wayne, Indiana, hospital.
Swanigan played three years in the NBA with the Blazers and the Sacramento Kings. He was a first-round pick of the Portland Trailblazers in 2017 and stood just short of 6-foot-9.
After committing to Michigan State, Swanigan was asked to stay home and play for the Boilermakers and was later named Indiana’s Mr. Basketball in 2015. According to ESPN, “Swanigan had a stand-out sophomore campaign at Purdue and was named the Big Ten Player of the year, and was a consensus first-team All-American. He was also a finalist for the Naismith Award. After the season, he entered the NBA draft and was selected No. 26.”
Portland Trail Blazer took to Twitter to express their sadness over the loss. “We are heartbroken by the passing of former Trail Blazers player Caleb Swanigan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Caleb’s family, friends, and all who loved him. Rest in Peace, Biggie.”
Purdue Boilermakers also took to social media to express their sadness stating, “Devastated. Our thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan’s family and friends. The world lost a gentle soul last night. Love you, Biggie.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Caleb Swanigan. He will be remembered as a great teammate and friend. Our hearts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Swanigan was drafted 26th overall in 2017 by the Portland Trail Blazers and has appeared in 75 games altogether in the NBA. He spent ten games with Kings and 65 with Trail Blazers. He last appeared in the league in the 2019-20 season.
