There are approximately 3.1 million deaths in the United States per year. However last year in the Sports world we had about 59 major deaths. I will be writing about 3 of them, A player from the MLB, NFL and NBA. 

JERRY WEST

Jerry was an NBA all star. Some people may not know but Jerry West in Actually the player who is on the NBA logo. He was a huge influential piece in the sport we all know and love today. Jerry West was born May 28, 1938 and he died June 12, 2024. West made it to the ripe age of 86 before tragically passing. 

CAUSE OF DEATH

In the year before West died he developed congestive heart failure. In which his heart became too weak to pump the right amount of blood throughout his body. More than 30 years before West died he developed a condition called Atrial Fibrillation. He was struggling and battling conditions for long even before he died. Shortly before West’s death, he was hospitalized for three weeks. He was then released to die at home.

STATS 

He was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers with the second overall pick in the 1960 NBA draft. In that season the Lakers relocated to Los Angeles in which West spent his entire 14 year career. In his career he totaled 14 all-star appearances, 12 All-NBA honors, 5 All-Defences team and 1 NBA Championship. He played a total of 932 games and averaged 27 points per game. 

INFLUENCE

West is widely considered one of his sport’s greatest players. After retirement he was highly influential as a coach and executive. It was a sad day in the NBA community the day that Jerry West died. He was perhaps one of the most prominent players of all time. The Lakers elected to honor Jerry West this season. Players wore the No. 44 (Jerry’s Number) on the left shoulder of their uniforms. 

WILLIE MAYS

Willie Mays was an American center fielder who played for the San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets. Mays played a 23 year career in the MLB but unfortunately passed last summer. He was born May 6, 1931 and died on June 18, 2024. Mays lived until he was 93.

CAUSE OF DEATH

Willie Mays tragically died from a heart failure. He was allowed to go up and pass on his own care peacefully. His son, Michael Mays expressed his love for all the fans. He said, “My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.”

STATS

At age 16, Willie Mays joined the Birmingham Barons of the Negro American League. The New York Giants purchased his contract in 1950. Mays started off slowly, but got untracked and won the NL Rookie of the Year award. 

Mays played 21 seasons with the Giants, and finished up with the Mets in 1972 and 1973. He hit over .300 10 times, en route to a career .302 mark, and finished with 3,283 hits .He was a two-time NL MVP and a All-Star Game MVP. Mays also was a 24-time All-Star and won 12 Gold Glove Awards in center field.

INFLUENCE

He spent most of 1952 and all of 1953 in the Army. Mays dedicated a lot of his time to our country. Which is why he is not only a great player but also a great person. He is considered by many to be among the best all-around players in baseball history. Mays was elected into the MLB Hall of Fame in 1979. Willie is a huge inspiration to all young African-American players to chase their dream.

KHYREE JACKSON 

Khyree Jackson was a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Oregon. Jackson did not even get the chance to play. He made it through minicamp but unfortunately passed three weeks through training camp. Jackson’s path to the Vikings took plenty of turns. He quit football altogether before getting a job at a Chipotle and eventually a grocery store. He played two years at Alabama before finishing last season at Oregon.

CAUSE OF DEATH

On July 6, 2024 he died in a fatal car crash. Jackson was the front passenger in a Dodge Charger. He was heading north on Maryland Route 4 when he was struck by an Infiniti Q50 changing lanes at high speed. Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene. Three people died in the tragic incident. Khyree Jackson, A.J. Loffton Jr, and Isaiah Hazel all passed away. 

23-year-old Cori Clingman, will likely face charges in the incident as it is believed alcohol was a factor in the crash. The back half of the vehicle is completely ripped off as it’s being loaded onto a tow truck. Jackson was with two of his high school teammates and sitting in the front passenger side of the car just after 3:10 a.m. When an Infiniti Q50 tried to change lanes and tried to speed ahead.

VIKINGS STATEMENTS

Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement. “I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree. As we got to know him throughout the pre-draft process, it was clear the goals Khyree wanted to accomplish both professionally and personally. His story was one of resilience. He was taking steps to become the best version of himself not just for him, but for those who cared about and looked up to him. Khyree’s personality captured every room he was in. I’m devastated that his life and everything he had in front of him has been cut short.”

Vikings Head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “I am absolutely crushed by this news. Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words.”

INFLUENCE

Vikings players, staff and coaches were absolutely devastated when they heard the news. When Khyree was drafted he instantly became a big name in Minnesota. He was beloved by fans and coaches even before he got a chance to play. Many staff said how much Khyree’s personality lightened up the environment. 

The Vikings wore helmet decals with the initials KJ throughout the season. Coaches had his initials on lapel pins and team apparel. Jackson’s No. 31 will go unused this year and his locker at TCO Performance Center (Vikings Stadium) will remain untouched. The Minniesota Vikings did so much to honor this young man.

There are a lot more deaths that impacted the athletic world in the 2o24. All of these players will not be forgotten. Deaths are very unfortunate but it is a part of the world, hopefully we have less athletic deaths in the 2025 year.