2 more celebrities passed away including our very own Dikembe Mutombo

Not sure what is happening this week but too many amazing people taken from us.

First, just found out that Dikembe Mutombo, denver Nugget and amazing humanitarian has passed away at 58 from Brain Cancer. My heart is broken because he was so fun to watch and inspiring with all he did after leaving the NBA.

Mutombo was known for his defensive skills and shot-blocking abilities in the NBA. He played for several teams during his 18-season career, including Denver, Atlanta, Houston, and Philadelphia. Mutombo was an eight-time All-Star, four-time defensive player of the year, and three-time All-NBA selection.

Mutombo also founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997 to improve health and education in the Congo. He spoke nine languages and served on the boards of various organizations, including Special Olympics International and the CDC Foundation. Mutombo was the NBA’s first Global Ambassador and focused on using basketball to make a positive impact on communities in Africa.

So many great and truly beautiful tributes to him are trending now. RIPDikembe “Not In My House”

 

Second, one of my favorite memories of my grandma’s was watching Days of Our Lives and Drake Hogestyn, who played John Black for 38 years, passed away at 70 from Pancreatic Cancer.

The popular soap opera shared a statement from the actor’s family on social media. “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” it reads. “He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”

The statement continues: “He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor. He loved performing for the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives.”

The message was signed, “The Hogestyn family.”

“This is a very difficult one for all of us,” Days of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement to PEOPLE. “Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”

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