Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Russell died Sunday (July 31) at the age of 88, his family announced in an official statement shared on his verified Twitter account.
“Bill Russell, the most prolific winner in American sports history, passed away peacefully today at age 88, with his wife, Jeannine, by his side,” the statement read. “Arrangements for his memorial service will be announced soon.”
Russell led the Boston Celtics to 11 of the franchise’s NBA best 17 championships (tied with the Los Angeles Lakers) — the most titles won by any player in league history — which included two as a player-coach in 1968 and 1969 after becoming the first Black coach in North American professional sports in 1966.
