Drew Gordon, a former NBA forward and the brother of Denver Nuggets player Aaron Gordon, passed away in a tragic car accident on Thursday at the age of 33.
Authorities reported that Drew was driving a Vanderhall Carmel three-wheeled autocycle when he collided with a GMC Sierra pickup. The driver of the GMC, a 25-year-old, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital, but unfortunately, Drew Gordon lost his life at the scene, as confirmed by Oregon’s Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies mentioned that initial findings suggest that Drew’s vehicle veered over the center line and crashed into the GMC. While investigations are ongoing, authorities do not suspect any impairment on Drew’s part.
Hailing from San Jose, Drew Gordon played two seasons at UCLA before transferring to the University of New Mexico. Despite going undrafted in 2012, he joined Partizan Belgrade in Serbia the same year. His professional career included stints with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014, as well as teams in Turkey, France, Poland, and Russia, with his retirement announced in 2023.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
The Denver Nuggets, the team where Drew’s younger brother has been playing since 2021, paid tribute to Drew and his children in a heartfelt message, stating, “Drew’s legacy will endure through his three beautiful children and all who loved him. Our thoughts are with Aaron and the Gordon family during this challenging time.”
The Philadelphia 76ers also expressed their condolences, saying in a statement, “Our hearts go out to the Gordon family and their friends.”
