A Celtic on the edge of greatness

Reggie Lewis had just wrapped up a season averaging 20.8 points per game. At 27, he was the Boston Celtics' next franchise cornerstone after Larry Bird's retirement.

A sudden collapse in front of thousands

On April 29, 1993, Lewis momentarily passed out during a playoff game against the Hornets. Looking perplexed and dazed, he then recovered himself, returning to the game only to be pulled after again experiencing dizziness and shortness of breath.

Hoop shoots that turned fatal

Three months later, on July 27, 1993, while practicing off season alone at Brandeis University, Lewis collapsed again. This time, he could not be revived.

Boston bereft

The city of Boston went into mourning. Thousands gathered at Matthews Arena for his memorial service, including teammates, rivals, and NBA legends, visibly shocked by the loss.

Trying to replace the irreplaceable

Boston struggled to rebuild in the wake of Lewis's passing. It took over a decade for the team to get back into championship contention, highlighting his crucial role.

Allegations and autopsy

Initially, Lewis' death was attributed to cocaine use, something the Lewis family vehemently denied. Later analysis confirmed Lewis had been the victim of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition often linked to sudden cardiac death in young athletes.

A family fighting for change

His widow, Donna Harris-Lewis, became a vocal advocate for athlete heart screenings. In the wake of the cocaine allegations, one of her husband's former doctors was sued for malpractice.

His number 35 retired in silent tribute

The Celtics retired Lewis's jersey in 1995. It hangs beside other greats at TD Garden, a reminder of a career that ended too soon but left a permanent legacy.