Former NBA player and 76ers assistant coach Sean Rooks died of heart disease according to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office.
Sources told TMZ Sports the 46-year-old suffered a heart attack during dinner on Tuesday night.
Now, a rep for the M.E.’s office says the coroner has examined Rooks’ body and “believes Rooks died of heart disease.”
Additional testing will reportedly take place to confirm that finding.
Heart disease makes it difficult for blood to flow through the heart and can often lead to a heart attack.
The 46-year-old — who starred at the University of Arizona — played 12 seasons in the NBA, including stints with the Lakers, Mavericks and Timberwolves.
Rooks’ mother issued a statement saying, “It is with deep sadness and overwhelming grief that we mourn the sudden loss of my son, Sean.”
“Our family asks that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this incredibly difficult time.”
