Dikembe Mutombo, the 7’2″ NBA Hall of Famer, known for his dominance on the court and his notable celebrations, has passed at 58 from brain cancer, according to a statement from the NBA. Mutombo was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022 and passed comfortably surrounded by family.

Mutombo was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and later moving to the United States. Playing at Georgetown University, he was drafted as a fourth-round pick by the Denver Nuggets in 1991. Launching his 18-year career, Mutombo quickly rose to fame, becoming an 8-time NBA All-star. He is also one of three players who has won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year four times and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

Off the court, Mutombo started the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in Congo in 1997. The goal of the organization is to improve health, education and general quality of life in the African country. Mutombo also served on the board of Special Olympics Interational, the CDC Foundation and the National Board for the U.S. Fund for the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Mutombo’s death is felt around the basketball world, with many players and coaches alike expressing their condolences and sorrow at his loss. Many have described him as a humanitarian, highlighting the positive impact Mutombo aimed to have. His son, Ryan Mutombo, posted expressing his love for the loss of his father.

Through loss, it is hard to feel as though someone will not be forgotten. But Dikembe Mutombo is certainly never going to be lost in history, with his impacts on the NBA, and his humanitarian callings securing his legacy for years to come.