Former Jazz center, restaurateur and public speaker Mark Eaton has died, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. He was 64.
The former 1989 NBA All-Star went for a bike ride around 8 p.m. Friday in Summit Country—a rugged and mountainous areas in Utah—and never returned home, per KUTV.com.
The cause of death is unknown, whether it be due to a medical problem or an accident, though foul play is not suspected, according to KUTV and the Salt Lake Tribune.
Eaton was an All-Star player as well as a former two-time Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 and 1989. He spent 12 seasons with the Jazz from 1982 to 1993.
During his 1984-85 season, the 7-footer set an all-time NBA record of 5.6 blocks per game. Eaton also holds the NBA record for the most blocks in a season with 456.
After retiring, Eaton began a public speaking career in Summit County. He also launched a career as a restaurateur, was the president of the National Basketball Retired Players Association and broadcasted Jazz basketball games.
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