At a Glance
- Retired NBA center Elden Campbell drowned after launching his Sea-Doo alone at 12:37 a.m. on Dec. 1
- The 57-year-old’s body was found tethered to the watercraft on Pompano Beach roughly 19 hours later
- A partially unzipped life jacket was still on when authorities arrived at 8 p.m.
- Why it matters: A beloved hometown hero’s sudden, accidental death highlights the risks of solo night fishing
A calm December night turned tragic when former Los Angeles Lakers big man Elden Campbell headed out alone for a fishing run, later washing ashore lifeless on a Florida beach, according to an investigation report obtained by News Of Losangeles.
Midnight Launch
Security video captured Campbell backing his Sea-Doo Fish Pro into the water at a nearby boat ramp at 12:37 a.m., Monday, Dec. 1. No companions were present. Investigators say he steered the personal watercraft into the Atlantic and disappeared into the darkness.
Discovery at Dusk
Almost a full day later, a beachgoer spotted a red-and-black life jacket bobbing in the surf off Pompano Beach. Authorities arrived around 8 p.m. and found Campbell still tethered to the Sea-Doo, the jacket partially unzipped. Paramedics pronounced the 57-year-old dead at the scene.
Inside the craft they recovered:
- California driver’s license
- Mobile phone
- Set of keys
- Unopened energy drink
Autopsy Findings
The Broward County Office of Medical Examiner & Trauma Services ruled death accidental by drowning. A toxicology screen showed zero drugs or alcohol in Campbell’s system, according to the autopsy report obtained by News Of Losangeles.
Medical History
Campbell’s wife, Rosemary, told investigators her husband managed Type II diabetes and high cholesterol, but avoided narcotics and alcohol. She added that he was a capable swimmer who exercised regularly.
NBA Legacy
Drafted 27th overall by the Lakers in 1990, the 7-foot center spent nine seasons with his hometown team, winning the 2000 championship alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. He later suited up for:
- Charlotte Hornets
- New Orleans Hornets
- Seattle SuperSonics
- Detroit Pistons
- New Jersey Nets
Campbell retires with career averages of 10.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks over 1,056 games.
Family Left Behind
Besides Rosemary, Campbell leaves four children: Jay Lee, Jael, Ariel and Aaron. The league issued a statement praising his “toughness and loyalty” and extending condolences to loved ones.
Solo Night Fishing Risks
Maritime-safety officials note that operating a personal watercraft alone after dark carries inherent dangers:
- Reduced visibility for both operator and rescuers
- Hypothermia risk if immersion occurs
- Limited radio or phone contact once offshore
- Single-point-of-failure if equipment malfunctions
Campbell’s death underscores those hazards, even for experienced boaters and strong swimmers.
Investigation Closed
With the autopsy complete and no signs of foul play, detectives closed the case as an accidental drowning. The Sea-Doo was returned to the family.
Key Takeaways
- A beloved NBA champion died doing what he loved-fishing on the water he called peaceful
- His final moments remain private, but the timeline shows a rapid chain of events after midnight
- Safety advocates urge anglers to file a float plan, wear properly fitted life jackets and carry waterproof communication when venturing out alone
