For almost every basketball fan in the world, making it to the NBA is a dream. Getting drafted is the ultimate honor that only a handful of people have ever experienced, and Purdue star Caleb Swanigan felt it in 2017 when he was selected No. 26 overall by the Portland Trail Blazers.
However, life is unpredictable and it’s hard to tell what can happen at any moment. Swanigan’s alma mater, Purdue, where he starred in college, shared the news on Tuesday that Swanigan had tragically passed away at just the age of 25.
💔 Devastated.
Our thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan’s family and friends. The world lost a gentle soul last night.
Love you Biggie. pic.twitter.com/spU2hQtJdi
— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) June 21, 2022
According to a report from Wane 15, Swanigan’s death occurred due to natural causes, which is devastating considering how young he was. Caleb spent 3 seasons in the NBA, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Sacramento Kings, and had recently been releasing music. His death left many in the basketball world in mourning, with fans paying their tributes on Twitter.
“Absolutely hate everything about this news.”
“This is so devastating.”
“Caleb was so young man, what the hell.”
“Gone way too soon. Sending our prayers to Caleb’s family.”
“And THIS IS WHY you must hug your athletes and tell them you love them. Even when you’re upset w/them bc this is REAL LIFE! Bball is just a game.”
“Terribly saddened by this. Biggie had a positive influence in everyone’s life.”
“Man, this one really hurts. I was fortunate to compete against Biggie in high school. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.”
“Damn. Terrible news. RIP, Biggie.”
“I don’t even know how to react to this. Tragic, devastating, all of it. R.I.P.”
“Heartbreaking. RIP, Caleb Swanigan.”
“We lost a beautiful sould today, RIP Biggie.”
“Horrible news. So sad. RIP Caleb Swanigan.”
Basketball fans tend to get caught up in things that are happening on the court but moments like this provide perspective on how little that matters. Swanigan was a young man with great potential and his passing is a truly tragic event. His absence will be felt by the many people whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.
