Oklahoma City Thunder

'Gone too soon': Former, current NBA stars react to Darryl Dawkins' passing

Published Aug. 27, 2015 5:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

The sports world mourned when the news broke that Philadelphia 76ers great Darryl Dawkins died Thursday morning.

The showman known as Chocolate Thunder "touched the hearts and spirits of so many with his big smile and personality, ferocious dunks, but more than anything, his huge, loving heart," his family said in a statement.

And the void left by the 58-year-old's passing was palpable.

Here's a sampling of social media tributes from the NBA world:

Rest In Peace Darryl Dawkins aka Chocolate Thunder pic.twitter.com/0FPKTUel6I
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) August 27, 2015

RIP Chocolate Thunder pic.twitter.com/WFFCPqeELk
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) August 27, 2015

Rest in peace OG. You were one of my favorite players of all time. You were very inspirational to a… https://t.co/IlJAlcDX3R
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) August 27, 2015

R.I.P to Orlando florida's own "Chocolate Thunder" Darryl Dawkins. You will be missed my friend. You paved ... http://t.co/NXoiej1nDP
— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) August 27, 2015

Saddened to hear the news about @Thunderdunk53... RIP. An @NBA legend and great guy gone too soon. pic.twitter.com/1HEAzX7PdR
— Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10) August 27, 2015

Sad day. We lost Darryl Dawkins today. #NBAFamily #Pioneer pic.twitter.com/1EPQRijjcH
— Mateen Cleaves (@Mateen_Cleaves) August 27, 2015

Gone Too Soon... #ChocolateThunder pic.twitter.com/kL4jgfy4NA
— NBA (@NBA) August 27, 2015

R.I.P Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins.....A Good Friend, Mentor, n Legend. ?? #GoneToSoon https://t.co/jCofQGWO0f
— Jason Thompson (@jtthekid) August 27, 2015