The basketball world has been rocked by the sudden and tragic passing of Junior Bridgeman, the beloved Milwaukee Bucks legend and renowned entrepreneur, at 71 years old.

Junior Bridgeman, a towering figure both on and off the court, suffered a

medical emergency

on

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

, while attending a

high-profile fundraiser

at the

Galt House Hotel

in Louisville.

The evening, meant to be a night of celebration and charity, took a

tragic turn

when emergency responders

rushed to the scene

, swiftly taking Bridgeman away in an

ambulance

. Shocked attendees were left reeling.

Details Confirmed—A City Mourns Its Hero

A

representative from the Galt House Hotel


verified that first responders were called

to assist Bridgeman during the event.

Jerry Eaves

, head basketball coach and athletic director at

Simmons College of Kentucky

, also

corroborated the heartbreaking incident

, echoing the immense

shock and grief

felt across the city.

Shortly after, the

Al J. Schneider Company

, which owns the

Galt House Hotel

, issued an

official statement

, describing Bridgeman as a

“Louisville icon.” Lance George, Chief Marketing Officer

of the company,

said

:

“Junior Bridgeman was an integral part of our community. From his athletic impact to his philanthropic efforts, he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bridgeman family”

Outpouring of Tributes—A Bucks Legend Remembered

As the

news of Bridgeman’s passing spread

, an overwhelming

wave of tributes


poured in

from

former teammates, NBA franchises, and political figures

.

The

Milwaukee Bucks

, where Bridgeman left an

unforgettable legacy

,

shared an

emotional statement


on

X

:

“His memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks organization.”

The team honored their former star by

highlighting his No. 2 jersey

, which remains

retired in Fiserv Forum

—a permanent symbol of his contributions to the franchise.

The Bucks also

reflected on Bridgeman’s

extraordinary journey



beyond basketball

, acknowledging how his

“hard work and perseverance”

propelled him into the

elite ranks of America’s top business leaders

.

Louisville Athletics & Political Leaders Honor Bridgeman

Beyond the NBA, Bridgeman’s

impact on the city of Louisville

was deeply felt, and

Louisville Athletics

paid tribute by sharing a

throwback black-and-white photo

of Bridgeman during his

college basketball days

.

Their statement praised his

“unmatched legacy”


and expressed gratitude for

his invaluable contributions

to the university and the city.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg

also

shared

his

heartfelt condolences

, calling Bridgeman ”

a kind, generous, and groundbreaking legend who made us all better people and Louisville a better city.”

Greenberg

reflected

on

Bridgeman’s journey

, from his time as an

All-American at the University of Louisville

to his

NBA success

and later

rise as a self-made billionaire

.

Even

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell


took to social media

to honor Bridgeman, referring to him as

a longtime friend

and re-sharing

Louisville Athletics’ tribute

.

From NBA Stardom to Billionaire Entrepreneur—A Life of Excellence

Bridgeman’s story was one of

relentless ambition

, proving that his


success extended far beyond the basketball court


.

After a

12-season career

in the

NBA

, playing for the

Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers

, Bridgeman built an

empire

that rivaled his athletic achievements.

At one point, he

owned and operated over 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises

across

20 states

, later expanding into the

beverage industry as a bottler for The Coca-Cola Co.

His

business acumen

also led him to acquire

Ebony and Jet magazines

, cementing his legacy as one of

America’s most successful former athletes-turned-entrepreneurs

.

A Lasting Connection to Milwaukee & Sports Ownership

Bridgeman’s ties to Milwaukee remained

as strong as ever

, and in

2024

, he

deepened his connection to the franchise

by purchasing a

10% ownership stake in the Bucks

.

Additionally, he was part of the

ownership group of Valhalla Golf Club

, demonstrating his

continued investment in both business and sports

.

Forbes magazine

had even recognized him as a

former athlete whose business success far surpassed his playing days.

A Legacy of Mentorship & Philanthropy

Beyond business,

Bridgeman dedicated himself to mentorship.

He served on multiple boards, including

the University of Louisville (UofL) Board of Trustees and the UofL Foundation

, further solidifying his role as a

pillar of his community

.

According to

UofL President Kim Schatzel

, Bridgeman was a man of

“incredible grace” and “humility.”

She


further



stated:

“He mentored many throughout his life and always had time for those who asked for his counsel or support.”

A Life That Will Never Be Forgotten

Bridgeman’s passing

leaves an irreplaceable void

, but his

unwavering legacy

as a

basketball icon, business mogul, and philanthropist

ensures that his impact will be felt

for generations to come

.

At this time, we extend our

deepest condolences

to

his wife, Doris Griffith, his children—Eden, Justin, and Ryan—his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him

.

May his

memory remain a blessing

to all those he touched.

Rest in peace, Junior Bridgeman.

How will you remember

Junior Bridgeman

—as a

Milwaukee Bucks legend, a business mogul, or both

?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts below.