What Was NBA Notable Referee Tony Brown Cause of Death? LeBron James Remembers 55-Year-Old 'Great Ref'

The NBA is left heartbroken after referee Tony Brown died.

The association announced the news about Brown's death, confirming that the referee passed away on Thursday. In the statement, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Brown was "one of the most accomplished referees in the NBA and an inspiration to his colleagues."

The same press release disclosed that Tony Brown's cause of death was pancreatic cancer.

"After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis early last year, Tony fought courageously through countless rounds of treatment to return to work this past season at the NBA Replay Center, demonstrating the dedication, determination, and passion that made him such a highly respected official for 20 years," the commissioner said.

Silver expressed the sadness the NBA family is currently feeling as he sent their deepest condolences to Brown's survivors, including his wife Tina and their three children - Bailey, Basile, and Baylen.

The referee's wife, Tina, extended the family's gratitude toward everyone who supported them as her husband fought against the dreaded illness. She also asked people to join them as they prepare to celebrate Brown's life.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the cancer types that is difficult to diagnose early after it develops in the pancreatic's tissues, according to the National Cancer Institute. It had been a notorious illness that claimed the lives of Alan Rickman, Steve Jobs, Alex Trebek, Luciano Pavarotti, and more.

Brown was reportedly diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in April 20221. Yahoo! Sports said he still became part of the NBA replay center before entering hospice care in Atlanta in the past days leading to his death.

Honoring Tony Brown

Brown's death happened after the referee served as an NBA staff official who officiated over 1,000 regular season games. He also made his debut in the NBA Finals during the 2019-20 season.

Outside NBA, he worked during CBA and WNBA championship games, as well as in two All-Star games.

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Before becoming an NBA referee, he first worked as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines.

After his death, LeBron James and more NBA stars and members paid tribute to the late referee.

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