Who was the first player you clearly remember watching that died of natural causes?

[Glenn's take]

Felton Spencer (RIP) dying made me think of this. For me it was Walter Payton. I was 31 and he was 46.

 

[UK82]

Felton Spencer (RIP) dying made me think of this. For me it was Walter Payton. I was 31 and he was 46.

Natural causes? To be honest I have no idea what player I remember dying from old age.

 

[Glenn's take]

Natural causes? To be honest I have no idea what player I remember dying from old age.

Cancer is a natural cause. A car wreck is not. Maybe that's just my definition of it. I don't know.

 

[BlueThruAndThru]

Actuarial take, Glennn.

 

[Glenn's take]

Actuarial take, Glennn.

Willy is still remembered.

 

[80 Proof]

If we're including anything other than car wrecks and cocaine, then for me it's probably Hank Gathers.

 

[sefleming]

Walter Bond baseball player in the 60's for Astros.
6' 7" died of leukemia I think

 

[Glenn's take]

Walter Bond baseball player in the 60's for Astros.
6' 7" died of leukemia I think

Was there another Astros pitcher that died way to young that was really good? I thought it was JR Richard but it isn't.

 

[the nail at the foul line]

Maravich in the NBA.

 

[sefleming]

Had to look it up j r richard had a stroke 1980. Died age of 71 i think. Had to look up.on baseball reference site

 

[sefleming]

Jim umbright pitcher for astros died age of 34. Forgot about him. Also don wilson pitchdr who was 30.

 

[CaptainBoogerBuns]

If cancer is so “natural”, why do we say “f&CK CANCER”?

 

[J_Dee]

Lyle Alzado's NFL prime was a little before my time, but I know I watched Super Bowl XVIII, and I definitely remember his acting career as well as his passing.

Sports Illustrated, July, 1991: I'm Sick and I'm Scared

 

[WildcatFan1982]

Reggie Lewis