Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic dead at 46

The NBA suffered a heartbreaking loss this week.

According to the Washington Examiner, Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic passed away on Wednesday morning in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was 46.

The beloved coach reportedly suffered a heart attack Tuesday evening during a team dinner event, according to reports.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, among many others, released a statement on Milojevic's passing, noting that he and the team were "devastated" at the sudden loss.

"We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing," Kerr's statement read.

It added, "This is a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and an incredibly difficult time for his family, friends, and all of us who had the incredible pleasure to work with him. In addition to being a terrific basketball coach, Dejan was one of the most positive and beautiful human beings I have ever known."

The coach's untimely death came before the team was scheduled to play the Utah Jazz. The game was postponed as a result of the tragic news.

NBA on TNT mourns the sudden passing of Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević. pic.twitter.com/3nkShQtDcs

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 19, 2024

The Examiner noted:

Milojevic, who was from Serbia, was an accomplished European basketball star. He played professionally until 2009 and distinguished himself by winning the ABA League MVP award for three consecutive years. He also earned the ABA scoring title in back-to-back seasons.

Tributes to the beloved coach came in from all angles, from other coaches and players to fans around the world.

"Will Hardy on Dejan Milojevic: 'His family, and the entire Warriors organization, what they're going through is unimaginable. Our thoughts and prayers and support are fully behind all of them as they begin mourning a truly wonderful man,'" Andy Larsen wrote. 

"He played for my favorite club from Serbia, Partizan, and was a very good player, fighter, respectable and connoisseur of basketball. Constantly cheerful and positive and the first to see and recognize the greatness of Nikola Jokic!!," an X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "I love Malone. He's an awesome coach and an even better person."

Clearly, his legacy will live on and he touched the lives of many, on and off the court.