Former Trail Blazers and Purdue standout Caleb Swanigan has died at the age of 25. WANE 15 reported that Swanigan died of natural causes.
Swanigan was drafted 26th overall in 2017 by the Trail Blazers and appeared in 75 games in the NBA. He spent 10 games with the Kings and 65 with the Trail Blazers. He last appeared in the league in the 2019-20 season.
💔 Devastated.
— Purdue Mens Basketball (@BoilerBall) June 21, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan’s family and friends. The world lost a gentle soul last night.
Love you Biggie. pic.twitter.com/spU2hQtJdi
We are heartbroken by the passing of former Trail Blazers player Caleb Swanigan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Caleb’s family, friends and all who loved him.
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) June 21, 2022
Rest In Peace, Biggie. pic.twitter.com/QxiGMZi5cg
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Caleb Swanigan. He will be remembered as a great teammate and friend. Our hearts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. pic.twitter.com/JHdzX00JrV
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) June 21, 2022
"Terribly saddened by this," Purdue head coach Matt Painter wrote on Twitter. "Biggie had a positive influence in everyone's life. Was such a thoughtful person and gentle soul who had to overcome so much in his life. He will be greatly missed."
Tom Crean, the head coach at rival Indiana during Swanigan's time at Purdue, also paid tribute to him.
Caleb Swanigan was someone I truly rooted for. No matter if it was his work ethic to change his game and weight or when he got his degree at @LifeAtPurdue The connection that Matt Painter and @BoilerBall had with Caleb brought the best out in all of them. God bless his soul.
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) June 21, 2022
Fellow Big Ten men's basketball programs also offered their condolences.
The Ohio State Basketball family joins @BoilerBall along with the college basketball community in mourning the devastating loss of Caleb Swanigan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Caleb during this time.❤️ https://t.co/JhIolX57HI
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) June 21, 2022
Our deepest condolences to Caleb Swanigan's family & friends and the Purdue community 🙏 https://t.co/S64g7m7SPy
— Penn State Men’s Basketball (@PennStateMBB) June 21, 2022
Our deepest condolences from Hawkeye nation to Caleb Swanigan's family, teammates and coaches. 🙏 https://t.co/uSfL8oimtE
— Iowa Men’s Basketball (@IowaHoops) June 21, 2022
Following news of his passing, comments from former teammate Damian Lillard defending Swanigan on social media recirculated.
Never forget when @Dame_Lillard put a heckler in his place once he attacked Caleb Swanigan on social media.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 21, 2022
Dame will forever be a real one ✊ pic.twitter.com/lEOKvbKixy
NBA and college basketball players, as well as others in the basketball world, shared tributes to Swanigan and his family.
Rest In Peace 🤍 pic.twitter.com/FoZVVVprsc
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) June 21, 2022
My thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan’s family 🙏🏻 https://t.co/IHMGWTAWcw
— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) June 21, 2022
Rip Caleb Swanigan loved watching him
— Armando Bacot Jr. (@iget_buckets35) June 21, 2022
R.i.p. caleb Swanigan
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) June 21, 2022
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of 🇺🇸 #USABfamily member Caleb Swanigan. We send our thoughts & condolences to the Swanigan family & all those who knew Biggie. pic.twitter.com/bhmqK23PEB
— USABJNT (@usabjnt) June 21, 2022
The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Caleb Swanigan.#LegendsForever pic.twitter.com/IqQkI8VFqC
— NBA Alumni 🏀 (@NBAalumni) June 21, 2022
Rest easy Biggie. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/KXFiYE9jL7
— Jared Sullinger Sr. (@Jared_Sully0) June 21, 2022
Horrible news. So sad. RIP Caleb Swanigan. https://t.co/ispK6E7RSt
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) June 21, 2022
Such sad news to wake up to today. Former Purdue star and NBA player Caleb Swanigan has passed away.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 21, 2022
Swanigan was 25 years old. I first met him when he was on the AAU circuit and he was always such a nice, sweet kid. Had a tough road. Will be sorely missed. https://t.co/VfA9fPrVN8
