PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — Petersburg native and NBA Hall of Famer Moses Malone died Sunday morning.
Det. Jeffrey Scott of the Norfolk Police Department confirmed that Malone died in a Norfolk hotel room. He said there was no indication of foul play. Malone’s body was discovered when he failed to report to a celebrity golf tournament in which he was scheduled to play.
Malone was 60 years old.
Malone, who went to become one of the greatest scorers and rebounders in NBA history, began his playing career locally at Petersburg High School.
Before graduating in 1974 and becoming one of the first players to skip college and join the pros, Malone led Petersburg High to 50-consecutive wins and back-to-back state championships in 1973 and 1974.
In the NBA, Malone was a three-time Most Valuable Player and 12-time All-Star who led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA championship in 1983.
Petersburg Mayor Howard Myers released the following statement on behalf of he and the entire City of Petersburg family:
“On behalf of the Petersburg City Council Members, Administration, Staff and Citizens of Petersburg. It is with great sadness to hear of the loss of Petersburg’s own gentle giant NBA Legend Moses Malone.
Our hearts have been filled over the years with the cherished memories of his return visits home. He has been a friend, classmate to many of our residents and legendary NBA Star with the poise of a gentlemen to his childhood friends and family. Legendary is a word of magnificence, which will follow him to the scoreboard in Heaven. He has generated a powerful legacy and we will miss him, but not forget him in our hearts. Our Condolences to the Family.”
