This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.
Nearly a year after his wife’s sudden death, NBA Head Coach Stan Van Gundy spoke about the grieving process and revealed that the cause of her death was suicide.
Van Gundy in 2021 New Orleans Pelicansspoke about the death of his wife Kim, who passed away in August 2023 at the age of 61.
Stan Van Gundy and his wife Kim (Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
“She took her own life,” Van Gundy said. “South Beach Sessions” podcast with sports media personality Dan Le Batard. “I don’t care how long it lasts. I don’t think I’ll ever get over that. It was just so devastating.”
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Van Gundy detailed his grieving process after reflecting on their 35-year marriage, adding that for most of his adult life, she had always been there for him.
“I never imagined I’d live another day of life without Kim. Never imagined it. I knew she was going through a difficult time but still never imagined something like this would happen. Eight months later, I’m still struggling to accept that I’ll never see her again. I’m trying to stay connected.”
TNT analyst Stan Van Gundy speaks before Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 22, 2024 in Minneapolis. (David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA coach Stan Van Gundy’s wife Kimberly dies ‘unexpectedly’
Van Gundy explained that although he regularly attends therapy, he still struggles with his feelings about the situation and the reality of battling mental illness.
“I was blessed with an incredible woman and an incredible family, and my responsibility in life, my primary responsibility, to this day, has been to take care of those five people in any way possible,” he said.
“My wife felt hopeless and helpless and that her life, and ours, were no longer worth living. It was my responsibility to take care of her and give her a good life, and I failed to do so.”
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Van Gundy met his wife in 1984. Castleton State University She became the head basketball coach while a student at what is now Castleton University in Vermont.
TNT commentator Stan Van Gundy smiles during the Sacramento Kings vs. New York Knicks game at Golden 1 Center on March 9, 2023 in Sacramento, California. (John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
He said he now tries to live every day in a way that would make her proud.
“Her values were better than mine. She taught me a lot. And I want to live my life according to her values and make her proud,” Van Gundy said.
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