Former NBA player, Dikembe Mutombo, sadly has passed away. He died on September 30, 2024, at the age of 58 after a two-year battle with brain cancer.
He was diagnosis of brain cancer in October 2022, and has since been receiving treatment. Despite his diagnosis, Mutombo some of his charitable and ambassadorial efforts .
About Dikembe Mutombo
Dikembe Mutombo is a retired Congolese-American professional basketball player known for his dominant defensive presence in the NBA, particularly as a shot-blocker. He played 18 seasons in the league, spending time with teams such as the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets, among others.
Mutombo was born on June 25, 1966, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Standing at 7 feet 2 inches, he quickly became one of the most feared defenders in the league. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing his exceptional shot-blocking and rebounding skills. Mutombo retired as one of the all-time leaders in blocks in NBA history, and his signature finger-wagging gesture after blocking shots became iconic.
Off the court, Mutombo is known for his humanitarian work, particularly in Africa. He established the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, which focuses on improving health, education, and living conditions in the Congo. He also funded the construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital in Kinshasa, named after his late mother, which has provided care to thousands of people in need.
Mutombo’s legacy extends beyond basketball due to his charitable contributions and his efforts to be a global ambassador for the NBA. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Dikembe Mutombo family
Dikembe Mutombo is married to Rose Mutombo, a woman with strong Congolese roots like himself. They have been together for many years and have been involved in various charitable causes, especially related to education and healthcare in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The couple has four children: two sons, Ryan and Dikembe Jr., and two daughters, Carrie and Jean-Jacques. Mutombo and his family are known for their philanthropic activities, and his children have often been seen accompanying him at various events. His son Ryan Mutombo has followed in his father’s footsteps, playing college basketball at Georgetown University, the same school where Dikembe made his mark before entering the NBA.
