Dikembe Mutombo, legendary NBA star and humanitarian, dies at 58

Dikembe Mutombo, the former NBA star and prominent humanitarian, passed away at 58 in Atlanta on Sept. 30, 2024, after a battle with brain cancer, as confirmed by the National Basketball Association. The 7-foot-2 athlete, born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, initially pursued a career in medicine before finding stardom in professional basketball. Over his 18-year NBA career, he played for six teams, retiring with the second-most blocked shots in league history, behind Hakeem Olajuwon.

Mutombo's finger wag became a signature move, discouraging opponents from challenging his defensive skills. His career highlights included leading the Denver Nuggets to an upset victory over the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1994 playoffs. "Basketball was a vehicle that I used to get me where I’m going,” Mutombo said in a 2022 interview with Sports Illustrated. Beyond the court, Mutombo dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts, founding a hospital in Kinshasa in 2006, named after his mother, and contributing millions to various causes.

Mutombo was also a key figure in promoting vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic and funded the construction of a $4 million school in Tshibombo village in 2020. He became a U.S. citizen in 2006 and was recognized by President George W. Bush for his efforts during a State of the Union address. Mutombo is survived by his wife, Rose, and their children.