Grizzlies VP Dana Davis found dead in his apartment

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Dana Davis, vice president of basketball operations for the Memphis Grizzlies, has been found dead in his apartment. He was 56.

The Grizzlies confirmed Davis’ death in a statement Wednesday night without elaborating. The Commercial Appeal reported Davis had not been heard from since Tuesday, prompting team personnel to enter his apartment Wednesday with officers from the Memphis Police Department where they found Davis.

Davis, who was nicknamed “Double D,” oversaw player development programs for the Grizzlies and handled the travel schedule, accommodations and security on the road.

“Regardless of age, race or social status, he was always extending his hand to help those in need,” Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley said in a statement. “What Dana couldn’t give in monetary donations, he more than made up for with the amount of time he gave to causes close to his and the Grizzlies hearts. To say he will be missed is a gross understatement and simply not correct.”

“This is an enormous loss for the Grizzlies organization, but an even bigger loss for me personally,” Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said in a statement. “He was a man of many hats with numerous responsibilities, always willing to take on more and go the extra mile. We will all miss ‘Double-D’ greatly. This is truly a sad day for our organization.”

Davis also had served on the board of the National Civil Rights Museum.

Courtesy – NBA.com