Nikola Jokic has mourned the loss of Dejan Milojevic after his compatriot and former coach died aged just 46.
The Golden State Warriors assistant, a 6-foot-7 retired power forward, suffered a heart attack in Salt Lake City. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
Nuggets star Jokic, who played under Milojevic at KK Mega Basket in Serbia, posted a picture of them together on social media, alongside the caption: ‘Deki, rest in peace! Condolences to the family!’
The former Serbian basketball player was hospitalized Tuesday after suffering a sudden health issue at Valter’s Osteria – a popular Italian restaurant frequented by visiting NBA teams.
One employee described the scene to DailyMail.com as ‘pretty shocking.’
Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic died Wednesday in Salt Lake City at 46
‘We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing,’ Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said in a statement.
‘This is a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and an incredibly difficult time for his family, friends, and all of us who had the incredible pleasure to work with him.’
Milojevic’s son Nikola played college basketball in San Jose and has since embarked on a professional career.
‘In addition to being a terrific basketball coach, Dejan was one of the most positive and beautiful human beings I have ever known, someone who brought joy and light to every single day with his passion and energy,’ Kerr continued. ‘We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa. Their loss is unfathomable.’
Nikola posted a photograph of himself and his late father on Instagram, alongside the caption ‘Bio Si Mi Sve,’ which translates as: ‘You were my everything.’
!['Rest in peace! Condolences to the family!' Nikola Jokic wrote after the death of his ex-coach](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/17/20/80140241-12975655-Milojevic_is_seen_with_his_former_pupil_Nikola_Jokic_following_a-a-28_1705524648646.jpg)
‘Rest in peace! Condolences to the family!’ Nikola Jokic wrote after the death of his ex-coach
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