Ademola Okulaja, a former North Carolina Tar Heels forward, died on Tuesday (May 17),  He was 46 years at the time of his departure.

Okulaja played for the Tar Heels for nearly over a half-decade, helping lead the team to two Final Four appearances in that span.

Ademola Okulaja funeral, burial service, pictures, date, time, venue

Okulaja was diagnosed with a spinal tumor nearly one and a half decades ago but he returned to the court after one season on the sidelines before retiring in 2010.

His true cause of death will be revealed when the autopsy report is released by the end of the week. Meanwhile, his family representatives have stated that they will release his burial date, venue, and burial ground by the end of this month.

Okulaja was born in Nigeria and moved to Germany with his family when he was a child. He went on to represent Germany in two FIBA World Cups and five EuroBasket tournaments.

One of his most notable achievements was assisting Germany to a bronze medal at the 2002 FIBA World Cup alongside former Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki.

Okulaja also played professionally in the EuroLeague for Alba Berlin, FC Barcelona, Unicaja Malaga, and Brose Bamberg in addition to the national team. He has also played for Casademont Girona and Etosa Alicante in the Liga ACB, as well as Khimki and Pamesa Valencia in the EuroCup.

ncG1vNJzZmifmJa7orLUqGWcp51krqWxzKijmmWfoMKtrcmaZJ%2Btnpq%2ForiMm6yroZGherSx0a%2BgnJ1dpbakwNSrnKxllJbBpnnToqSeZaaau7axjg%3D%3D